John 21:24

KJV

This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} is {G2076} the disciple {G3101} which {G3588} testifieth {G3140} of {G4012} these things {G5130}, and {G2532} wrote {G1125} these things {G5023}: and {G2532} we know {G1492} that {G3754} his {G846} testimony {G3141} is {G2076} true {G227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This one is the talmid who is testifying about these things and who has recorded them.

And we know that his testimony is true.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:24 serves as a crucial concluding affirmation within the Fourth Gospel, explicitly identifying the author as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" and asserting the unimpeachable veracity of his eyewitness account. This verse functions as an authoritative editorial endorsement, solidifying the historical reliability and divine inspiration of the entire narrative, from the incarnation of the Word to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 21:24 appears at the very culmination of John's Gospel, specifically following a poignant post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This chapter, often considered an epilogue, includes the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus' restorative conversation with Peter, and a mysterious dialogue concerning the future of the "beloved disciple." Verse 24 then shifts from narrative to a direct, authorial (or communal) statement, providing a powerful seal of authenticity to the preceding twenty chapters. It acts as a final, explicit declaration of the source and trustworthiness of the Gospel's content, reinforcing the foundational claims made throughout the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the credibility of a written work, especially a historical or biographical one, rested heavily on the authority and eyewitness status of its author. For early Christian communities, establishing the authenticity of the Gospels was paramount in an environment where competing narratives and heresies could arise. The explicit identification of the author as an eyewitness—and the communal affirmation of his truthfulness—would have provided immense assurance to early readers. This practice mirrored the legal and testimonial norms of the time, where direct observation and reliable witness were essential for establishing truth and validity. The "we" in the verse likely refers to the early Christian community or elders who preserved and promulgated the Gospel, lending their collective authority to the disciple's testimony.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Authorship and Authenticity**, confirming that the narrative originates from a direct participant in the events, thereby lending it unparalleled authority. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Eyewitness Testimony**, a recurring motif in John, as seen in passages like [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") where the disciples "beheld His glory." The Gospel consistently presents itself as a record of what was seen, heard, and touched. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Truth and Reliability** of the Gospel's message, asserting that its contents are not fabricated but are genuine and trustworthy accounts of God's revelation in Christ. This aligns with Jesus' own self-identification as "the way, the truth, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life"). Finally, by affirming the author's truthfulness, the verse implicitly supports the **Purpose of the Gospel**, as stated in [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel"), which is that readers might believe in Jesus as the Christ and thereby have life in His name.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From _manthanō_, meaning "to learn." A learner, i.e., a pupil. This word identifies the author not merely as a follower, but as one who has sat at the feet of Jesus, absorbing His teachings and witnessing His life firsthand. It implies a deep, personal relationship and a commitment to the master's instruction.
* **testifieth (Greek, _martyréō'_):** From _mártys_, meaning "witness." To be a witness, i.e., to testify (literally or figuratively). This verb carries a strong legal connotation, indicating that the author is providing a formal, sworn declaration based on direct observation. It emphasizes the authoritative and factual nature of his account, as if presented in a court of law.
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō'_):** A primary verb; to "grave," especially to write; figuratively, to describe. This word confirms the physical act of committing the testimony to written form, ensuring its preservation and dissemination. It underscores the intentionality and permanence of the record.
* **true (Greek, _alēthḗs'_):** From _A_ (as a negative particle) and _lanthanō_ (to escape notice, conceal). True (as not concealing). This adjective signifies not merely factual accuracy but also genuineness, reliability, and an unhidden reality. It asserts the profound trustworthiness and integrity of the Gospel's content, implying that it corresponds to reality and is free from deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the disciple":** This opening phrase directly identifies the subject of the verse as the "beloved disciple," a figure consistently portrayed in the Gospel as having a unique intimacy with Jesus (e.g., reclining on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper). While not explicitly named, tradition and internal evidence strongly point to John, the son of Zebedee. This identification establishes the author's privileged position and access to the events.
* **"which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things":** This clause explicitly states the dual role of the beloved disciple: he is both the eyewitness ("testifieth of these things") and the author ("and wrote these things"). The phrase "these things" refers to the entire narrative of the Gospel, from Jesus' divine nature to His resurrection. This highlights the foundational claim that the Gospel is a firsthand, reliable account.
* **"and we know that his testimony is true":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful communal endorsement of the author's veracity. The "we" likely represents the early Christian community, perhaps the elders of the church in Ephesus where the Gospel is traditionally believed to have been finalized. Their collective affirmation adds an external layer of credibility, vouching for the accuracy and divine inspiration of the beloved disciple's written witness.

#### Literary Devices
John 21:24 employs several significant literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is **Authorial Intrusion**, where the narrative voice steps out of the story to make a direct comment about the text's origin and veracity. This direct address to the reader creates a sense of immediacy and authority. The verse also utilizes **Eyewitness Testimony** as a foundational claim, emphasizing the direct, personal experience of the author as the basis for the truthfulness of the account. This device lends significant weight and credibility to the narrative, positioning it not as hearsay but as a reliable historical record. Furthermore, the use of **Affirmation** by a collective "we" (likely the early Christian community) acts as an external validation, reinforcing the internal claims of truthfulness. This communal endorsement functions as a powerful rhetorical device, inviting the reader to trust the Gospel's contents based on the consensus of those who knew the author and his work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:24 profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of truth, witness, and the authority of Scripture. It asserts that God's revelation, particularly concerning Jesus Christ, is grounded in historical reality and reliable testimony. The truthfulness of the Gospel is not merely a matter of historical accuracy but is foundational to its theological claims about Jesus as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. Just as God revealed Himself truly in the person of Jesus, so too is the written record of that revelation affirmed as true. This verse undergirds the concept of biblical inspiration, suggesting that the human author's truthful account is divinely affirmed and preserved for the benefit of all who seek to know Christ.

* [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke 1:1-4 - The Purpose of Luke's Gospel")
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - Eyewitness Account of Christ")
* [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Not Cleverly Devised Myths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 21:24 offers profound assurance for believers today, reminding us that our faith is not built on myths or fables, but on the solid foundation of historical truth and reliable eyewitness testimony. In an age often characterized by skepticism and a questioning of absolute truth, this verse stands as a powerful declaration of the Gospel's authenticity. It invites us to approach the Scriptures with confidence, knowing that the Spirit-inspired words recorded by the beloved disciple are indeed "true." This truth empowers us not only to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation but also to live lives that reflect the truth of the Gospel, bearing our own witness to His transformative power. Just as the early community affirmed John's testimony, we are called to affirm, internalize, and proclaim the unchanging truth of God's Word in a world desperately searching for genuine reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the affirmation of the Gospel's truthfulness in John 21:24 impact your personal trust in the Bible?**
* **In what ways can you, as a follower of Christ, emulate the "beloved disciple" by bearing witness to the truth of Jesus in your own life?**
* **Considering the communal endorsement ("we know"), what is the role of the Christian community in affirming and preserving the truth of the Gospel today?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the disciple" referred to in John 21:24?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in this verse, the consistent internal evidence throughout the Gospel of John points to the "beloved disciple," who is widely identified by early church tradition and scholarly consensus as John, the son of Zebedee. This disciple is uniquely portrayed as having a close relationship with Jesus, including reclining on His breast at the Last Supper ([John 13:23](/john/13-23 "John 13:23 - The Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper")), standing at the foot of the cross ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Commends Mary to John")), and being the first to believe in the resurrection upon seeing the empty tomb ([John 20:8](/john/20-8 "John 20:8 - John Believes at the Empty Tomb")).

**Who is the "we" that knows his testimony is true?**

Answer: The "we" in "we know that his testimony is true" likely refers to the early Christian community or, more specifically, the elders and leaders within the community where John's Gospel was circulated and affirmed. This collective endorsement serves as an authoritative seal of approval, indicating that the Gospel's contents were accepted as authentic and reliable by those who were in a position to verify its claims and the character of its author. It represents the communal validation of the beloved disciple's eyewitness account.

**Why is this verse placed at the very end of the Gospel?**

Answer: The placement of John 21:24 at the very end of the Gospel serves as a powerful concluding statement and editorial affirmation. It provides a final, explicit declaration of the author's identity as an eyewitness and the absolute truthfulness of his account. This strategic positioning acts as a seal of authenticity, reinforcing the credibility of all that has been written. It assures readers that the profound theological truths and historical events presented in the Gospel are grounded in reliable, firsthand testimony, thereby strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:24, by affirming the truthfulness of the beloved disciple's testimony, ultimately points to the supreme truth embodied in Jesus Christ Himself. The Gospel's veracity is paramount because its subject is the very Word of God made flesh, "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The disciple's faithful witness to "these things"—the life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus—is a testament to the fact that Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's truth to humanity. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), and it is this truth, testified to by John, that sets us free ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). The reliability of the written word ensures that the living Word, Jesus Christ, is accurately presented, allowing all who read to believe in Him and receive eternal life, as the Gospel's purpose states ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")). Thus, John 21:24 is not merely an authorial note but a final, powerful affirmation of the Christ-centered reality that undergirds the entire Christian faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 15:27

And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

John 19:35

And he that saw [it] bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

1 John 1:1

¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

1 John 1:2

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 John 1:12

¶ Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

1 John 5:6

¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.