Wondering About the Others

Scripture: A group of us were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, “The Twin,” Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, my brother James and I and two other disciples. John 21:2

Observation: John lists the people on the beach, who will go fishing a thus meet Jesus the next morning. They include four of the 11 apostles - Peter, Thomas, Nathanael (Bartholomew), James, and John ... and "two other disciples." This occurs on a repeated basis in the gospels, where some people just aren't named. This is often juxtaposed against very specific details (in this chapter, the fact the fish catch was exactly 153 fish).

There is a general assumption that these disciples are part of the 70 or so who were at Pentecost. The church creates traditions around who unnamed disciples are, from these two, to all ~70, to others who may be traveling with the group. It is easy to dismiss this by stating that who they specifically were didn't matter. However, these others clearly did matter ... perhaps they did not become great leaders of the church, but they were there, they were faithful, they participated and did the work, and they were friends with the likes of Peter, James, and John.

Application: I often wonder who these people may be. I will Google the information, and sometimes I find out ... and sometimes I don't. Again, there may be church traditions about it, but just as often there is some explanation about how they just aren't part of the narrative and thus went unnamed by the writer. For example, many speculate these two are Philip and Andrews, while others say that cannot be correct for then why not name them, and they are likely just two other disciples in the area. In some cases - as in this - I will read about the some logical explanation ... like Peter was first, John in his humility listed he and James last of the 5-of-11 apostles, and therefore the other two certainly weren't part of that group.

There are always explanations and theories about unnamed disciples. However, they mattered enough to show up in the text, and they cared and believed enough to be there. This is like those at church who show up every week, yet whose names I struggle to remember. I need to fix that. I need to improve my memory and care about those who show up. Yes, ideally they begin to serve, they join in groups and studies, and they give. However, just as important, they are here, they believe, and they love Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, I know you are calling me to a heart of mercy and love of others. May I work on the practical side of this, becoming better with names. It has always been a challenge for me. Please may the Holy Spirit aid me in this. Amen.