John 21:24-25
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
This personal testimony brings the Gospel of John to its close. It is reminiscent of the “formal conclusion” in John 20:30-31, reminding us again that the Gospel does not contain everything Jesus did. Indeed, it affirms that Jesus did and said so many things that his activities would fill all the books in the world!
What’s more intriguing, of course, is the insertion of this personal note. Just previously, the narrator had cleared up the matter of various rumors that were circulating about the fate of the disciple Jesus loved. Now he turns to affirm that he is, indeed, the one writing this very gospel and that his testimony is true.
It was not uncommon in the first century to write under another name, particularly if this other name and person were a mentor or teacher. So whether or not these verses are penned by the otherwise unnamed “beloved disciple” or by a devout student, we may never know. And, quite frankly, I’m not sure it matters. The point of these few verses was to assure the community that this disciple’s testimony about the life and import of Jesus is trustworthy and true.
True for those earlier Christians reading and listening then. And true for those of us reading and listening now.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the faith and witness for this unknown disciple and for all those who have been moved to faith by his testimony ever since. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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