Church of the Primacy of St. Peter
Tabgha Kinneret North District
“Feed My Sheep” – Pastoral Ministry of St. Peter
Along the peaceful northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Tabgha, the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter commemorates the moment when the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples and restored Peter after his threefold denial, commissioning him to shepherd the Church.
This encounter takes place after the Resurrection, on the very shores where Peter was first called. Here, beside a charcoal fire and a shared meal, Christ transforms Peter’s failure into mission, revealing both divine mercy and the foundation of pastoral authority in the Church.
The Gospel of John recounts this powerful exchange:
“Jesus therefore saith to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He saith to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he had said to him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep.” — John 21:15–17 (Douay-Rheims)
The threefold question mirrors Peter’s three denials, showing that Christ does not reject him, but restores and strengthens him, entrusting him with the care of His flock.
Prophetic Fulfillment
The authority given to Peter reflects deeper biblical themes of stewardship and leadership.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of authority symbolized by a key:
“And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut.” — Isaiah 22:22
This image finds fulfillment in Christ, who holds divine authority and entrusts it to Peter (cf. Matthew 16:19), establishing him as a visible shepherd of the Church.
Eucharistic and Pastoral Significance
This event takes place in the context of a meal shared with the risen Christ (John 21:12–13), recalling both the feeding of the multitudes nearby and the Last Supper. The setting unites themes of nourishment and mission: Peter is first fed by Christ, and then commanded to feed others.
In this way, the passage connects deeply to the Eucharist and the ongoing life of the Church. The one who receives from Christ is sent to serve, shepherd, and sustain the community of believers.
Archaeological and Historical Significance
The present church, built in 1933, stands over the remains of earlier Byzantine structures, indicating that this site has been venerated since the early centuries of Christianity.
At the heart of the church lies a large flat rock known as the “Mensa Christi” (Latin for “Table of Christ”), traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus shared a meal with His disciples after the Resurrection. This simple stone serves as a focal point of prayer and reflection, linking pilgrims directly to the Gospel scene.
The church’s location on the shoreline preserves the natural setting described in Scripture—the waters, the rocks, and the quiet surroundings—allowing visitors to enter into the intimacy of the encounter between Christ and Peter.
Spiritual Reflection
As Fr. Chris highlights, Peter’s restoration reveals the power of Christ’s mercy. Despite his weakness and failure, Peter is not cast aside, but called more deeply into love and responsibility. His journey reflects the path of every disciple: from imperfection to transformation through grace.
The repeated question, “Lovest thou me?” calls not only Peter, but all believers, to examine the depth of their love for Christ. The progression of this dialogue points toward agape love—a self-giving, sacrificial love that becomes the foundation of true discipleship.
Spiritual Significance
The Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter stands as a powerful witness to the mercy, authority, and mission of Christ.
Here, on a quiet shore, failure is transformed into calling, and love becomes the measure of leadership. Peter, once weak and afraid, is entrusted with the care of the Church—a mission that continues through his successors.
For pilgrims, this place offers a deeply personal invitation: to encounter Christ’s mercy, to respond to His call, and to embrace the responsibility of living out faith in service to others.
Standing by the waters of Galilee, one hears anew the question asked to Peter—“Lovest thou me?”—and is reminded that true discipleship begins with love and is fulfilled in service.