Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
Note that the one Jesus loved was the first to discern that his Master was the man on shore. It cannot be any coincidence that Jesus loved John more than the others and that John was the one closest to Jesus in His sufferings and death and recognized Him before all the others. Jesus knew what was in John’s heart before the crucifixion and loved him for it. Do our hearts contain a love for Christ that influences Him to regard us as “special” friends?
John does not keep his information to himself, but tells the others. We must also tell others about Jesus. There is enough of Him to go around! Note that it is Peter, in particular, to whom John reveals the identity of the man on the shore. John probably singled Peter out because he knew that Peter needed to see Jesus again, more than any of the others. Why?
Peter was stripped down to his loincloth or tunic. The word indicates that parts of the body normally covered were bare, but does not mean that Peter was naked. Fishermen would take off their robe or coat when working, so it wouldn’t impede their work. Peter probably had 2 reasons for putting his outer garment on before meeting Jesus. First was out of respect for his Lord, that he would not come before Him crudely dressed. Second, there was a Jewish idea that offering a greeting was a religious act and should not be performed unless one was fully clothed (greetings were not given in the public baths); and Peter wanted to be ready to give the usual greeting when he arrived on shore.
Peter doesn’t wait for the boat to get to the shore, but immediately jumps in and starts swimming. Notice how his action and that of John are both in keeping with their character. Peter’s action also shows us something about his heart. What?
It is interesting to note that it is not said whether Peter got to shore before the boat.