On shore, Peter counts a total number of 153 ‘great fish‘ in the net. Symbolizing abundance, 153 can even represent an overflow blessing from God.
First miraculous catch of fish
According to the Gospel of Luke,[2] on the day of this miracle, Jesus was preaching near the Lake of Genesareth (Sea of Galilee), when he saw two boats at the water’s edge. Boarding the one belonging to Simon (Peter), and moving out a little from shore, he sat and taught the people from the boat. Afterwards, he said to Peter:
Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.[2]
Peter answered:
Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.[2]
When they had done so, “they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break”,[2] requiring help from another boat. When Peter saw the large catch, which filled both boats almost to sinking point, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”[2] Jesus responded “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men”,[2] after which Peter and his partners James and John left everything and followed Jesus.
In this passage, John leads us to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus will make his third resurrection appearance (John 21:14). And based upon the context, there is a special focus on fish, fishing, and two fishers of men. In fact, supporting this point, there may even be a chiasm in vv. 4–14—a chiasm of fish!
In these 11 verses, various words for fish are used seven times. And if we count the number, we find the following pattern.
A The disciples did not know it was Jesus (v. 4)
B Do you have any [1] fish (to eat)? (v. 5)
C The net heavy with “the quantity of [2] fish” (v. 6)
D The disciples are “dragging the net full of [3] fish” (v. 8)
X A [4] fish on the charcoal fire (v. 9)
D’ Peter “haul[s] the net shore, full of large [5] fish” (v. 10)
C’ The net is filled with [6] 153 fish (v. 11)
B’ Jesus gave them the [7] fish (v. 13)
A’ The third revelation of the Lord (v. 14)
