John Trapp on John 21:17

Verſe 17. Jeſus ſaith unto him the third time.] To confirm him doubtleſſe, againſt the conſciouſneſſe of his three-fold deniall, and to reauthorize him in his Apoſtleſhip.

Lovest thou me?] A Miniſter had need have his heart enflamed with a moſt ardent affection to Chriſt: for elſe he will never ſuffer that hardſhip, devour thoſe difficulties, and get over all thoſe impediments, that he is ſure to be encombred with. The Miniſtery, believe it, is not an idle-mans occupation: he muſt preach the word be inſtant in ſeaſon, out of ſeaſon, &c. cry in the throat, (Clamare ut ſtentora vincat) lift up his voice like a trumpet, Iſa. 58.1. ſpeak till he ſpet forth his lungs, and yet to no more purpoſe, many times, then Bede did when he preached to an heap of ſtones. Now this he will never do, unleſſe the love of Chriſt conſtrain him, 2 Cor. 5.14. with 1 Cor. 16.22.

Peter was grieved.] Either in remembrance of his former falſe-play: or elſe, as thinking our Saviour ſomewhat diſtruſted his fidelity; or elſe ſurely, 1 [illegible: 1 letter]am. 6.8. he was as much to blame to be grieved, as David was to be angry, when God had made a breach upon Ʋzzah.

Feed my ſheep] My ſheep with golden fleeces, with precious ſouls: every ſoul being more worth then a world, as our Saviour reckons it, Mat. 16.6. who only went to the price of it. Can that be wholſome meat then that is ſawced with the bloud of ſouls? Will it not be bitterneſſe in the end?