John 21:25
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
John 21:25 (KJV)
Context
John 21 concludes the Gospel with an account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This final verse follows John 21:24, where the apostle identifies himself as the disciple who testifies to and wrote these things, affirming that his testimony is true.
Meaning
This verse acknowledges that the Gospel account is not an exhaustive record of everything Jesus did during His earthly ministry. John testifies that there are numerous other events, teachings, and miracles performed by Jesus that were not included in the Gospel of John. The written Gospels therefore give us a selective but purposeful portrait of His work.
John emphasizes the vastness of Jesus’ ministry and its impact on the world. He states that if all the things Jesus did were written down, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. This reveals the magnitude and significance of His life, showing that His influence extends far beyond what is recorded in Scripture.
John’s words highlight the limitations of written texts in capturing the entirety of Jesus’ life and teachings. The Gospels were written to convey the essential aspects of Jesus’ ministry and the message of salvation. While they provide sufficient information for salvation and faith, they do not contain every single detail of Jesus’ life.
Biblical connections
The phrase “many other things which Jesus did” refers specifically to His signs, wonders, and miraculous works, not merely His teachings or discourses. These unrecorded works were done throughout His ministry, as He continually went about doing good and healing all manner of diseases. The verse uses deliberate hyperbole to emphasize the vastness of Christ’s works and their importance and magnitude.
Application
John’s concluding remark serves as an invitation to have faith in Jesus beyond what is recorded in the Gospel. It encourages believers to recognize that there is much more to Jesus than what we have in written form, reminding us that our faith is not solely based on a historical record but also on an ongoing relationship with the living Christ.
The selective nature of the Gospel accounts demonstrates God’s sovereign design in preserving the specific details necessary for our understanding and faith. The books of the Bible were inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, who worked through the authors to convey the truths that God desired to reveal.
Reflection
The “Amen” at the end solemnly affirms the truth of the testimony. John’s response to any charge of partiality is that he has passed over more than he has written. The hyperbole is not absurd but is a common figure of speech used to convey the incomparable greatness of Christ’s deeds. The recorded works are sufficient for faith, but the full scope of His activity surpasses human record, underscoring the divine majesty of Christ and the selective purpose of Scripture.
