Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
They ran “together”. If Peter or John had been alone, they may never have ventured forth to the tomb, but having someone with them helped them to do this good thing at the right time. What does this teach us?
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
John was the faster of the two, probably because he was younger than Peter. He could have paced himself along Peter’s speed, but instead John did his best and ran as fast as he could. We should also do our best in our Christian walk and service, and not try to pace ourselves to the speed of anyone else. We should also be like Peter and not envy those who are faster than we are nor should we look down on those slower than us. Doing our best is all that God asks of us. Peter and John did their best in running to the tomb.