Expert: Thurman C. Petty, Jr. - 12/14/2005

Question
Hello, I am writing on behalf of a dear friend of mine, who 3 years ago very seriously tried to take his own life, before he did so he wrote a letter to his family and friends called " gone Fishing". Later when he was in recovery he attended some religious seminars and discovered that there was a passage in the bible that seemed to say almost word for word that which he had been trying to say in his letter. I was not party to the letter so I don't know which part of the bible he he is refering to, However he is again going through a hard period in his life and feels that this passage may offer him some inspiration once again. I realise that this is not much information to go on, but if it is possible for you point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated.
Thank you Anya Fox  

Answer
Dear Anya,
I'm not sure how to answer this because you haven't given me much to go by. The only text that seems to fit is the following:

John 21:3  "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
John 21:4  Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
John 21:5  He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
John 21:6  He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:7  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.
John 21:8  The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
John 21:9  When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
John 21:10  Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
John 21:11  Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
John 21:12  Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
John 21:13  Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
John 21:14  This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Let me know if I can answer other questions for you. Meanwhile, check out my web site: www.PettyPress.com. I've posted the entire text of 14 books I've written, 33 Bible Lessons, over 100 Bible questions and answers others have asked me, etc. etc. etc.

Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
Petty@hyperusa.com