106 J. Duncan M. Derrett Now we can return to Jesus’ order that the fishermen produce some of their catch for him. VI. The “Fish” and their “Fate” The fish have been roughly handled and hauled. Yet 153 large fish are found. Large fish suggest rich converts65, but perhaps that is an unchari- table thought and the word can mean “mature”. Students of whatever age can be likened to sorts of fish66, and teachers to fishermen67. These fish reach Jesus alive; and he has promised eternal life (Jn 3:15, 6:38, 10:10), he who will never cast out any that come to him (Jn 6:37). If he no longer draws them to him personally, he does so through his agents who can acquire for him fish who do not expire before they enter the “many man- sions” (Jn 14:2). Such an allegory is congenial to John (cf. 4:10-15). Scholars think 21:15-19 is utterly independent of 21:1-14. A natural suspicion but false. Fitness to be shepherd (shepherding means govern- ment)68 is related, here, to Peter’s “hauling”. Metaphorical fish are trans- muted (while really alive) into metaphorical sheep and lambs. Already squeezed in the net they are easily gathered into a hall/fold (Jn 10:1,16). Peter cannot tell whether he loves Jesus more than others do. How can he? Love (ἀγάπη) means enthusiastic approval69 and general attachment70 both of which Peter demonstrated with his solitary action with the fish. Furthermore, the question about love reminds us of Jn 14:21,23, where the test of loving Jesus is stated (it is obedience) and its special reward, namely God’s love of those who loved Jesus (Jn 8:42). It is idle to claim Artemidorus, Oneirocritica II.14, quoted by Wuellner, 70, 112; Plato, Sophist 222A. 65 Aristippus at Diogenes Laertius II.67, quoted by E. Haenchen, Der Weg Jesu (Berlin, 21968), 81 n.1. Fathers according to R. Nathan 40 (trans Goldin, 1955); Strack-Billerbeck, Kommen- 66 tar II. 637 (f). Wuellner, 111 n. 167. Gospel of Thomas, log. 8 (Aland, Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum, 1964, p. 518). 67 1 Kgs 22:17; 2 Sam 7:7; Is 44:28; Jer 2:8, 6:3, 25:34; Ezk 34:5; Nah 3:18; Zech 10:2; Mt 68 9:36; Mk 6:34. See 2 Sam 5:2. Philo, Post. 67-68; Agr. 44-49. Hearty approbation, often relative: Lk 7:42; Mk 10:21; 1 John 4:19 which I regard as 69 conclusive. LXX 1 Sam 18:22; Ps 118:127; Prov 9:8. Xenophon, Mem. 2.7.12. Plato, Phaedr. 257E; Phileb. 62D; Phaedo 110D; Lys. 215A-B (especially interesting). So Plato, Rep. X. 600C; Plutarch, Rom. 17.3; Luc. 20.6; Dio Cassius 44:48, note ἐφιλήσατε…ἠγαπήσατε. Xenophon, ubi cit.,11.7.9, 12. Cf. Latin diligo at Cicero, ad Brut. I.i,1. J.A. Ernesti (editor of Cicero, see Clavis ciceroniana, 61831): Diligere magis ad judicium, amare vero ad intimum animi sensum pertinet. H. Cremer, Biblico-theological Lexicon of New-Testament Greek (EV; Edinburgh, 1872), 9-15. C. Spicq, Notes de lexicographie néo-testamentaire I (Frei- bourg & Göttingen, 1978), 15-20.