Church Fathers Commentary John 21:24-25

"This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true. 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 21:24-25 (ASV)

St. John Chrysostom: John appeals to his own knowledge of these events, since he was a witness to them: This is the disciple which testifies of these things. When we assert any undisputed fact in common life, we do not withhold our testimony; much less would he, who wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The other Apostles did likewise, saying, And we are witnesses of these things, and that they wrote these things. John is the only one who appeals to his own testimony, and he does so because he was the last to write.

For this reason, he often mentions Christ’s love for him—that is, to show the motive that led him to write and to give weight to his history. And we know that his testimony is true. He was present at every event, even at the crucifixion, when our Lord committed His mother to him. These circumstances show both Christ’s love and his own importance as a witness. But if anyone does not believe, let them consider what follows: And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If, when there were so many things to relate, I have not said as much as the others and have often selected reproaches and insults in preference to other things, it is evident that I have not written with partiality. One who wants to show another to advantage does the very opposite, omitting the dishonorable parts.

St. Augustine of Hippo: Regarding the verse, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written, this means not that the world lacked space for them, but that the capacity of readers was not large enough to comprehend them.

Although sometimes words themselves may exceed the literal truth, the thing they express is still true. This is a mode of speech used not to explain something obscure or doubtful, but to magnify or emphasize a plain thing. Nor does it involve any departure from the path of truth, since the excess of the word over the literal fact is evidently only a figure of speech and not a deception. This way of speaking the Greeks call hyperbole, and it is found in other parts of Scripture.

St. John Chrysostom: This is said to show the power of Him who performed the miracles; that is, it was as easy for Him to do them as it is for us to speak of them, since He is God over all, blessed forever.