John 21:24

24 This is that disciple, that beareth witnessing of these things, and wrote them [that beareth witnessing of these things, and wrote these things]; and we know, that his witnessing is true.

John 21:24 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:24

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things
Recorded in this chapter concerning the appearance of Christ to his disciples at the sea of Tiberias, and what were done by him in their presence, what passed between them; particularly the conversation he had with Peter, both concerning himself, and the disciple John: and also, of all things that are written in this whole Gospel. These are testified to be true by this very disciple John, concerning whom the above report went upon a mistaken sense of Christ's words, and who himself

wrote these things;
all that is contained in this book, as well as the particulars relating to this conversation of Christ with Peter:

and we know that his testimony is true.
The testimony of one that was an eye and ear-witness, as John was, of all that he testified and wrote, must be known, owned, and allowed by all to be true, firm, and unquestionable; and therefore the apostle speaks in the plural number, as being not only his own sense, but the sense of all men. Though some take this to be the attestation of the Ephesian church, or of the bishops of the Asiatic churches, who put John upon writing this Gospel; of which they give their judgment and testimony, as believing it to be a true and faithful narrative.

John 21:24 In-Context

22 Jesus saith to him, So I will that he dwell till I come, what to thee? follow thou me.
23 Therefore this word went out among the brethren, that that disciple dieth not. And Jesus said not to him, that he dieth not, but, So I will that he dwell till I come, what to thee?
24 This is that disciple, that beareth witnessing of these things, and wrote them [that beareth witnessing of these things, and wrote these things]; and we know, that his witnessing is true.
25 And there be also many other things that Jesus did, which if they be written each by himself, I deem that the world itself shall not take the books, that be to be written. [Amen.] [Forsooth there be and many other signs, or miracles, that Jesus did, the which if they be written by each by himself, I guess neither the world himself be able to take the books, that be to be written. Amen.]
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.