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John recounts a third resurrection appearance to a group of disciples (vv.1-14; cf. 20:19-29), this time in Galilee. For a similar miracle, compare the account in Lk 5:4-7. Peter and a group of six other disciples, perhaps tired of inaction, went night fishing on the Sea of Tiberias (cf. 6:1), but they were unsuccessful (vv.1-3). However, when directed from the shore by the risen Lord, whom they did not yet recognize, they netted a remarkably large haul of fish (vv.4-6). And that was enough to prompt recognition and response (v.7). Once on shore, they were invited to partake of a breakfast already prepared and to add to it from their own recent catch (vv.8-13).
The beloved disciple was one of the seven, but which one? He is not to be identified with Thomas, the slow to believe (cf. 20:8, 24-29). He cannot have been Peter, with whom he was frequently in company (13:23-24; 20:1-9). Since the Evangelist seems reluctant to name him elsewhere in the Gospel, it is unlikely that he does so here; so Nathaniel is probably ruled out. He must have been one of the remaining four (see introduction above). As at the empty tomb, the beloved disciple was quick to perceive while Peter was quick to act (v.7; cf. 20:1-9).
This account may be partly symbolic; see the commentaries.