Charles Ellicott Commentary John 20:30

"Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book:" — John 20:30 (ASV)

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples.—More exactly, Yes, and indeed many and other signs did Jesus. (Compare Note on John 2:11.) We must understand the “signs” not only as proofs of the Resurrection, but as the works performed during His whole life.

The writer’s narrative is drawing to a close, and he explains the fact that he has recorded so little of a life which contained so much. There were, indeed, many other signs which he, as an eye-witness, remembered, but which it was not within his purpose to relate.

That he refers to the whole work of Christ, and not to the Risen Life only, is clear, because:

1. there were not “many other signs” during the forty days;
2. the words “did Jesus” are not applicable to the manifestation to the disciples;
3. the words “in this book” refer to all that has preceded.

It would seem to follow from this that these verses (John 20:30 and John 20:31) are the conclusion of the original Gospel, and that John 21:0 is to be regarded as a postscript or appendix. We will find reason for believing that, though an appendix, it proceeded from the hand of the Apostle himself.