This is now the third time— The evangelist does not say that this was the third time that Jesus appeared, but the third time that he appeared to his disciples; that is, to his apostles in a body; for, in reality, it was his seventh appearance. Besides, St. John himself has taken notice of three appearances before this. Grotius explains it of the third day of his appearance; for he had first appeared to several on the day of his resurrection; then on a second day,—after eight days, he came to his disciples, when Thomas was present; and now again, for the third day, he shewed himself at the sea of Tiberias.
Related Commentaries of John 21:14
John 21:14
14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.