John 21:23

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?

John 21:23 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:23

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren
It not being rightly understood by some one or more of the disciples present: it was divulged with a wrong sense annexed to it among other persons; who, though not of the eleven, yet were followers of Christ, children of God, that belonged to the same family, and were, in a spiritual relation, brethren to each other, and to the apostles:

that that disciple should not die;
but should remain till the second coming of Christ, and be found among them that shall be then alive, and be changed. And such a notion not only was among the ancients; but Beza, in his notes on this text, tells us of a strolling wicked fellow, that gave out that he was the Apostle John; and was encouraged by some, particularly Postellus, a Sorbonic doctor, but was afterwards burnt at Tholouse.

Yet Jesus said not unto him he shall not die, but if I will that he
tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
These are the words of John himself, the disciple spoken of, who gives a true and just account of Christ's words, freeing them from the false sense that was put upon them; which shows his ingenuous disposition, his integrity and love of truth; being unwilling that such an error should obtain among the disciples, and pass in the world for truth.

John 21:23 In-Context

21 Therefore when Peter had seen this disciple, he saith to Jesus, Lord, but what this [Lord, what forsooth this]?

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.]