Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Read it in contextLove and impending separation
Start reading at John 13:31 (John 13:31 to John 13:38).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus gives the command to love one another and addresses Peter's confidence with a warning of denial.
13:31Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
13:32If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
13:33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
13:35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
13:36Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
13:37Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
13:38Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 13:1–13:38): Jesus shares the supper with His disciples, washes their feet, identifies the betrayal, and instructs them. Judas leaves during the chapter. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Love and impending separation. Read John 13:31 through John 13:38 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Jesus gives the command to love one another and addresses Peter's confidence with a warning of denial. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Love and impending separation (John 13:31 to John 13:38).
Start reading at John 13:31. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 13:31, John 13:38, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them. John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 13
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. Chapters 13–17 form the extended setting of Jesus with His disciples before the arrest.
Connection to the wholeJesus' action interprets His love through service and gives His followers an example, while acknowledging that not all are clean.
Connection to the wholeJesus gives the command to love one another and addresses Peter's confidence with a warning of denial.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.