Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 21:24

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

The epilogue contains a number of parenthetic statements that are likely the author’s explanatory notes on the scene at the Sea of Galilee (vv.7, 12, 19, 20, 23). At the same time, they leave the impression that the account was written for a second generation of believers who were historically remote from the original events. This impression is corroborated by the last two verses, which are the endorsement of the narrative. Although v.24 is in the first person plural (“we know”), as if it were being certified by the testimony of a group, a different division on one word would make it a first person singular. In that case the author (or scribe) would be saying, “And I for my part know that his testimony is valid.” 25 The tremendous content of Jesus’ teaching and deeds is acknowledged again by the writer (cf. 20:30). This gospel must have been written at a period when Christian literature was beginning to multiply and the church was becoming conscious of it. The letters of Paul were collected and circulated before the turn of the century, and the Gospels or writings like them were already known in the church (cf. Lk 1:1). Though John admits that what he recorded is only a fraction of what Jesus said and did, the content of this gospel is one of the most valuable assets the church possesses.