John 21:17

“He saith unto him the third time, etc.] That by these three testimonies, out of his mouth, the thing might be established, and be out of all doubt: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? is it so indeed that thou lovest me? is thy love really so hearty and sincere as thou savest? may it be depended upon? Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? because it put him in mind of his having denied his Lord three times; the remembrance of which cut him to the heart and it added to his grief, that his love, which he knew was unfeigned, notwithstanding his conduct, should seem to be suspected: and he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I…”

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said the third time, &c.--This was the Physician's deepest incision into the wound, while yet smarting under the two former probings. Not till now would Peter discern the object of this succession of thrusts. The third time reveals it all, bringing up such a rush of dreadful recollections before his view, of his "thrice denying that he knew Him," that he feels it to the quick. It was fitting that he should; it was meant that he should. But this accomplished, the painful dialogue concludes with a delightful "Feed My sheep"; as if He should say, "Now, Simon, the last speck of the cloud which…”

“The third time - It is probable that Jesus proposed this question three times because Peter had thrice denied him. Thus he tenderly admonished him of his fault and reminded him of his sin, while he solemnly charged him to be faithful and vigilant in the discharge of the duties of the pastoral office. The reason why the Saviour addressed Peter in this manner was doubtless because he had just denied him - had given a most melancholy instance of the instability and weakness of his faith, and of his liability to fall. As he had thus been prominent in forsaking him, he took this occasion to give to him a special charge, and to secure his future obedience. Hence, he so administered the charge as…”

“Because he said the third time - As if he did not believe him. John 21:18”

“21:17 feed my sheep: Jesus, who knows all things (1:42; 2:25; 16:30), understood that despite Peter’s terrible failing, he still had faith and commitment to Jesus. These words called Peter to nurture and protect Christ’s followers.”

“the third: Joh 13:38, Joh 18:27; Mat 26:73, Mat 26:74; Rev 3:19 grieved: Kg1 17:18; Lam 3:33; Mat 26:75; Mar 14:72; Luk 22:61, Luk 22:62; Co2 2:4-7; Co2 7:8-11; Eph 4:30; Pe1 1:6 Lord: Joh 2:24, Joh 2:25, Joh 16:30, Joh 18:4; Jer 17:10; Act 1:24, Act 15:8; Rev 2:23 thou knowest that: Joh 21:15; Jos 22:22; Ch1 29:17; Job 31:4-6; Psa 7:8, Psa 7:9, Psa 17:3; Co2 1:12 Feed: Joh 21:15, Joh 21:16, Joh 12:8, Joh 14:15, Joh 15:10; Mat 25:40; Co2 8:8, Co2 8:9; Pe2 1:12-15, Pe2 3:1; Jo1 3:16-24; Jo3 1:7, Jo3 1:8 John 21:18”