John 21:23

Should not die] In spite of this appendix, the opinion still persisted. One story was that he was translated like Elijah, another that he still breathed in his grave, a fable which even St. Augustine was inclined to believe.

24, 25. Conclusion. John 21:24 is full of St. John's own phrases and mannerisms, and, therefore, in spite of the plural 'we know,' is probably by the Apostle himself. Nor is there any absolutely cogent reason for rejecting John 21:25, which is absent from only one ancient MS.

We know] The apostle associates himself with the members of the Ephesian Church, who knew him well, and were convinced of his truthfulness. Some, however, think that the 'we' are the Ephesian elders, who published the Gospel, and thus declared it authentic.