John 21:24,25

Overwhelming Evidence

Text: John 21:24-25

24

This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true.

25

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written.

Queries

a.

Which disciple wrote these things?

b.

Why were the many other things which Jesus did not recorded?

Paraphrase

The same disciple of whom it was rumored, He will not die, is the one that is hereby giving his testimony to these things in the life of Jesus Christ and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is reliable for it is eyewitness testimony, Of course, there are many other deeds and words of Jesus, and I suppose that if each one were written down in detail, there would not be room in the whole world for all the books required to contain the record.

Summary

John ends his record of Jesus-' life with an affirmation as to the reliability of his testimony and an apology that it was impossible for any one to have written a complete record of Jesus-' deeds and words.

Comment

We hesitate to comment on these last two verses inasmuch as there is good manuscript evidence to show that it was not a part of the original. The Sinaiticus manuscript (c. 350 A.D.otherwise known as Aleph), gives evidence that John 21:24-25 were added and the original Aleph manuscript was subjected to inspection by ultra-violet process and it was found that these verses were not included in the Sinaiticus codex when it was first written but were added later. The Bodmer II Papyrus (P66) omits these two verses (Bodmer II dates about 250 A.D.). It is reported that one of the best manuscripts of John found just recently, designated P75, also omits these two verses (this manuscript also dates sometime between 200-300 A.D.). The latest revision of the Greek text by Nestle in its critical apparatus notes that Aleph omits John 21:25. Perhaps more manuscript evidence will be forthcoming soon to establish either the omission or the inclusion of these verses. Until then we will make comments, with the reservations stated above, on these two verses.

Foster thinks that the elders of the church at Ephesus, where John probably resided when he wrote the Fourth Gospel, added John 21:24-25. Hendricksen is of the same opinion and so is Westcott. Their argument is based upon the change of person which they say indicates a change of authorship. Macknight, however, in his Harmony of The Gospels, says it is agreeable to John's manner (cf. John 19:35) to speak of himself in the third person (cf. also 1 John 5:18 and 3 John 1:12). Macknight then believes John himself to be the author of these two concluding verses. Whoever authored them they are a strong affirmation of the reliability of his record. If it is by the Ephesian elders they probably were endowed with the supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit to discern the spirits and were adding their verification to the record for the benefit of the churches in which the record would be read.

John 21:25 is hyperbolic. It is a common figure of speech of the people of that area. One has only to read the Prophets to see this. This exaggeration serves to express the great magnitude and importance of the words and deeds of Jesus which were recorded.

Scripture itself testifies that there were things said and done by Jesus not recorded in the books about His life (the Gospels). In Acts 1:1-4 we are told that Jesus appeared to the disciples and spoke concerning the kingdom of God over a period of 40 days. Some of these things are recorded, some are not. In Acts 20:35 we have recorded -a statement of Jesus not to be found in any of the Gospel accounts.

There are many spurious apocryphal gospels and other accounts which purport to be records of deeds and sayings of Jesus. They are so utterly out of harmony with the tenor of the inspired accounts and the historical evidence is so definitely against their canonicity that they are completely unreliable.

The main point is that John has recorded enough that men might come to believe and love Jesus Christ and become heirs of salvation in His name (John 20:30-31). If men will not believe on the basis of what has been written, they will not believe even if someone would rise from the dead (cf. Luke 16:31). John has written enough. The omnipotence, omniscience, compassion, love and glory of Jesus Christ has been recounted with factuality, emotion and a moral penetration that is able to capture the volition of man. Anything less would be insufficientanything more would be redundant. Let us remember the admonition of this same apostle when he wrote the Revelation he received on Patmos (Revelation 22:18-20). We say, Amen to Lenski when he closes his commentary with, Soli Deo GloriaGlory to God alone is our prayer for this commentary.

Turn right now, without letting another moment go by, and reread the Prologue, John 1:1-18. After these hours of soul-gripping study of John's Gospel can you not say with all that is in you, The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth!

Quiz

1.

What manuscript evidence is against John 21:24-25 being a part of the original?

2.

Who wrote these verses (if they are a part of the text)?

3.

Prove that Jesus did and said things which are not recorded in the gospel accounts.

4.

Is the brevity of the gospel record detrimental?

Special Study No, Four Outline Notes

By Russell Watts

Introductory Notes:

The number of the Lord's appearances during the forty days following the resurrection, before His ascension, is generally said to be nine. Of these, five were on the day of the resurrection, one on the Sunday following, two at some later period, and one when He ascended. As to place, five were in Jerusalem, one in Emmaus, two in Galilee, and one perhaps on the Mount of Olives. If to these we add the appearance to James (mentioned only by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:7), which probably was at Jerusalem; then add also the appearance to Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:8, we have eleven appearances. Most writers come to this conclusion, differing only on some fine points concerning some of the appearances.

However, we do not need to say that these recorded and stated appearances were the only actual ones. Acts 1:3 To whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God. It is quite possible that there were other unrecorded appearances during this period of forty days.

I.

The appearances on the day of the resurrection, (5)

A.

To Mary Magdalene, at the Tomb, just outside Jerusalem.

1.

Problem of when was this, at what time in the morning?

a.

How to harmonize Matthew 28:1 with Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1 and John 20:1.

The first part of the verse must be interpreted by the added specification of what is added in the last part of the verse.

b.

When did the women arrive at the tomb?

1.

Luke says, Very early in the morning.

2.

John says, early, while it was yet dark.

3.

Mark says, and very early on the first day of the week

4.

Matt. says, as it began to dawn, toward the first day of the week.

c.

We must consider where they came from. Probably from Bethany about two miles away.

d.

The time was probably about 5 A.M. for at this time of the year the sun would rise about John 5:30 A.M. Objects would be discernible one-half hour before sunrise very likely.

2.

Problem: did Mary come alone or with others and perhaps run on ahead so that she was first at the tomb?

She undoubtedly came with the rest. Then, seeing the stone rolled away, she ran immediately to tell John and Peter before even going to the tomb.

a.

When telling Peter and John, Mary used the pronoun we signifying that she was not alone.

b.

After telling Peter and John she returned to the tomb, probably following Peter and John. Then while she was alone outside the tomb the Lord appeared to her.

3.

John writes of this appearance in detail, John 20:11-18.

a.

The account is personal to Mary.

b.

She alone acknowledged the questions of Jesus.

c.

Jesus addressed her in the singular.

B.

The other women, soon after appearing to Mary; while they are on their way to tell the message of the angels. (Matthew 28:9-10)

1.

Who were these other women? How many were there? (Luke 24:9-11)

a.

Mark 15:41, says that many other women came up to Jerusalem.

b.

These names are mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of James, Salome, Joanna, Susanna and many others.

1.

John mentions only Mary Magdalene.

2.

Matt. mentions Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Matthew 28:1.

3.

Mark mentions Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.

4.

Luke mentions Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women.

Thus we see there are five, and possible others.

2.

Many variations of order are given for this account, due to our not being able to tell whether these women arrived at the tomb in one or two groups.

C.

Jesus appears to Peter. (1 Corinthians 15:5; Luke 24:33-34)

1.

McGarvey places this before the appearances to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and at Emmaus.

2.

R. C. Foster writing in Standard Bible Teacher, Vol. 38, No. 2; Apr.-May-June 1936, article The Risen Christ in Galilee, places this appearance after the Emmaus appearance.

3.

Wieand Harmony places the appearance to Peter first.

4.

Lightfoot supposes one of the two at Emmaus to have been Peter.

a.

Since there are not actual details given, it is hard to harmonize the accounts.

b.

From Luke 24:34, it seems as if Jesus did appear to Simon (if the Simon talked of is Peter) before He did to the two disciples at Emmaus. McGarvey harmonized this verse with 1 Corinthians 15:5.

D.

Jesus appears to the two Disciples going to Emmaus. Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35.

1.

Who were these two disciples? One was Cleopas, of whom nothing further is known. (Luke 24:18)

a.

Some say the other was Luke, for he writes almost like one that might have been present during this experience.

b.

Lightfoot (mentioned above) supposes him to be Peter.

2.

About Emmaus and its location from Jerusalem.

a.

Luke 24:13, village named Emmaus which was three score furlongs from Jerusalem.

1.

How far is this? If the ruins called el Kukeibeh is the ancient city of Emmaus, then it would be a distance of seven and thirteen-sixteenths of a mile from Jerusalem. The village has not yet been identified beyond dispute.

3.

Time of this meeting. Probably leaving Jerusalem about noon, and allowing for a slow walk, they would arrive in Emmaus a good while before sundown.

4.

Although the Lord met these two while on their way, their eyes were holden until the meal was being eaten. Luke gives the cause in Luke 24:31, And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. Mark gives the affect or their reaction in Mark 16:13, And they went away and told it unto the rest: neither believed they them.

E.

Jesus appears to the ten. Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25.

1.

Thomas is absent at this time.

2.

Place and time?

a.

Place In Jerusalem, In all probability, they were gathered in the same room in which they had eaten the paschal supper.

b. Time In the evening, for the two disciples who went to Emmaus arrived back in time to tell them of their experience.

3.

The actual appearance of Jesus in the room.

a.

John writes that when they saw Jesus they were glad.

b.

Luke writes that they were terrified and affrighted.

c.

Why the apparent difference?

1.

Luke tells the immediate reaction as Jesus stands in the midst of them. How did he get here? They knew nothing of the possibilities of a resurrected body.

2.

John tells their attitude after they had been satisfied this was not a ghost, but their Lord!

II.

Jesus appears to the eleven, Thomas being present this time. Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5.

A.

When and Where? In Jerusalem, probably the same place as where Jesus appeared to the ten. When? The following first day of the week. (John 20:26).

B.

Main object of thought. Getting Thomas to believe.

1.

While so doing, this was also reassuring proof for the others.

2.

Thomas asked to place his hand into Jesus-' side.

a.

Thomas-' answer, My Lord and my God! (John 20:28).

III.

Jesus appears to the Seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee. John 21:1-25. Only John records this incident.

A.

Time Some suggest the next Lord's Day; the day is actually unknown.

B.

The seven disciples: Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John, and two other disciples.

C.

Order of events that happened:

1.

Peter and the others probably gathered in Peter's home in Capernaum.

2.

This waiting made then impatient. Thinking of an honest means of getting food, Peter said I am off to fish tonight. The rest join in, We are going with you.

3.

With all the old enthusiasm, they go fishing, but luck was against them that night, remindful of an experience three years earlier.

4.

At early morning someone appeared on the beach and asked, Lads, have you anything to eat? Their answer was, No!

a.

Advice from the man on the shore. Cast on the right side of the boat.

b.

The results; 153 fishes were caught in the net.

c.

John at this, turned to Peter and said, It is the Lord.

d.

Peter immediately started swimming for the shore.

e.

They all had fish for breakfast.

5.

Jesus turned to Simon Peter and probed the recesses of Peter's heart to secure for him the humility necessary for service.

6.

Peter asks about John.

a.

Jesus-' answer: John 21:22, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.

IV.

Jesus appears to the five hundred in Galilee. Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6.

A.

Problem: Some would separate this appearance, and make two appearances here, one to the eleven separately, then to the eleven as counted with the five hundred.

a.

If Jesus gave the Great Commission at this time, would he give it to the eleven gathered together with so large a group?

b.

But in Matthew 28:17, some doubted, could be evidence that the groups were together.

c.

Solution, if we separate these two appearances it eliminates this problem.

B.

Where is this mountain that is spoken of in Matthew 28:16?

1.

Some possible places:

The Place of the Sermon on the Mount
The Mount of Transfiguration
The place where He choose the twelve
The place on the east side of the lake where Jesus fed the 5,000.

V.

Jesus appears to James. 1 Corinthians 15:7.

A.

No details given of this appearance.

B.

Who is this James?

1.

Possibly one of Jesus-' half-brothers, who had been converted after the resurrection.

2.

Later served as pastor of the Church at Jerusalem.

VI.

Jesus appears to the eleven in Jerusalem and leads them to the place of Ascension. Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:2-12.

A.

Luke, who also wrote Acts, gives us the account of this in both of his writings, one a continuation of the other.

B.

What Jesus told them at this time.

1.

Charged them not to depart from Jerusalem.

2.

They were to wait for the promise of the Father.

3.

Jesus told them they would be baptised in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

4.

They questioned Him about restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time. He answered, It is not for you to know times nor seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.

5.

Jesus charged them to be witnesses for Him in all places, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth.

6.

Jesus ascends into heaven.

VII.

And last of all, as to a child untimely born, he appeared to me also. 1 Corinthians 15:8. This is the last appearance, which is to the Apostle Paul, and is recorded for us by Luke in Acts 9:3-9. A. Paul says he saw the Lord.

Summary:

The forty days, or five weeks and five days, beginning on the day of the Resurrection which was from Sunday, April 9th, (17th Nisan) to Thursday, May 18th, may be divided into three periods. (1) That in Judea from Resurrection day to the departure into Galilee, (About twelve days). (2) That in Galilee, (About twenty-three days). (3) That after the return to Jerusalem to the Ascension, (About five days).
During the first period, from Resurrection Sunday to the Sunday following inclusive, there were six appearances, five on Resurrection Sunday: (a) to Mary Magdalene; (b) to the other women, 5?; (c) to the two at Emmaus; (d) to Peter; (e) to the Ten; on the next Sunday (f) to the Eleven.
During the second period, after the arrival in Galilee, there were three recorded appearances: (a) to the seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee; (b) to the five hundred, the eleven being with them or separately just before them; (c) to James.
During the third period, after the return to Jerusalem to the ascension, there were two appearances actually counted as one; (a) to the apostles first assembling somewhere in the city; (b) to them in the city to lead them out to Bethany.
Last of all, time and place, A.D. 37 on the Damascus Road He appeared to Saul, later called Paul. Some reasons or purposes for the Lord's appearances:

1.

To convince the disciples that He was indeed risen. The appearances are proof of the resurrection, the empty tomb, grave clothes, testimony of the angels, were proof and the disciples continued to doubt.

2.

For continuity and the progressive nature of the Lord's redemption work. (Not only in seeing the Lord in His resurrected body, but most important, hearing what He taught after His resurrection.)