John 21:1-25

Supplementary

1-25. Appendix. The Gospel is brought to a definite close, its contents are reviewed, and its purpose stated in John 20:30; John 20:31. The present chapter is therefore probably an appendix added at a later time, but (since all MSS and versions contain it) before the Gospel had been extensively copied, or had passed into general circulation. There is good reason for supposing that it is by the same author as the Gospel. For (1) the style is identical. For example, there is a fondness for the same connecting particles, and for sentences beginning abruptly without any conjunction at all. The favourite Johannine words are used, such as 'manifest,' 'glorify,' 'witness,' 'love,' 'disciples' (in the sense of 'apostles'). Everywhere too is displayed that peculiar and inimitable simplicity which characterises the Johannine writings generally. (2) There are also important correspondences with the narrative of the Fourth Gospel. The Sea of Tiberias and Cana of Galilee are mentioned only in that Gospel and in this appendix. Didymus and Nathanael, as actual characters and under these names, appear only in St. John. Common to this Gospel and this appendix, and to them only, is the mention of 'the disciple whom Jesus loved,' and of his leaning upon the Master's breast at supper, and the insistence upon the truth of his testimony: cp. John 19:35. Characteristic also is the peculiar expression 'signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God': cp. John 12:33; John 18:32. The only really doubtful vv. are the last two (John 21:24), which may possibly have been added by the Ephesian elders, who first put the Gospel in circulation after the death of the Apostle, and who wished to testify to its genuineness and trustworthiness. The main object of the appendix is to correct a popular belief that the beloved disciple would not die before our Lord's Second Advent (John 21:23).