Charles Ellicott Commentary John 21:25

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written." — John 21:25 (ASV)

And there are also many other things which Jesus did. . . .—The manuscript evidence for this verse is also so conclusive that almost every competent editor includes it in the text, but it is not found in the famous Sinaitic Codex.

The transition from the plural "We know" (John 21:24) to the singular "I suppose" (in this verse)—has led to the supposition, which is in every way probable, that this is the individual testimony of an amanuensis. This person, whether from personal knowledge of the life of Christ or from knowledge derived from the Apostle John or others, feels that, full beyond all human thought as this Gospel is, it is merely a part of the greater fullness.

No book could record, no words could tell, what that life was, or what things Jesus did. The disciples saw and believed, and wrote these things so that we may believe, and in believing, may have life in His name.

The word "Amen" is not found in the better manuscripts, nor is it in any part of the written text. It is the natural prayer of some copyist, just as it is the natural prayer of every devout reader that the writer’s purpose may be fulfilled.

The principal manuscripts have a subscription appended to the Gospel. Examples include: "According to John" (Vatican); "Gospel according to John" (Sinaitic [?], Alexandrine, Paris, Basle); "Gospel according to John is ended;"; and "Gospel according to Luke begins" (Cambridge).