The Gospel of John, distinct in its theological depth and intimate portrayal of Jesus, concludes with a declaration that echoes with profound spiritual resonance. After presenting a carefully curated account of Christ's life, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection, the Apostle John pens a final, seemingly hyperbolic, statement in John 21:25. This verse is more than a mere literary flourish; it serves as a powerful theological capstone, asserting the infinite nature of Jesus Christ and the inexhaustible scope of His divine work. It invites us to contemplate the vastness of God's redemptive plan, far beyond what human words or even the world itself could contain.

The Scope of Christ's Ministry: More Than Can Be Written

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

John, as an eyewitness and beloved disciple, had an unparalleled perspective on the earthly ministry of Jesus. Yet, even with his privileged access, he readily admits that his written testimony, along with those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, represents only a fraction of the Lord’s deeds and words. The Gospels are not exhaustive biographies but divinely inspired testimonies designed to reveal Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, so that "ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). Consider the sheer volume of Christ's daily interactions:

  • His Teachings: Beyond the Sermon on the Mount or the parables recorded, imagine the countless private conversations, the impromptu lessons, the spiritual insights shared with individuals and small groups. Every encounter was an opportunity for divine instruction, every question a chance to illuminate truth.
  • His Miracles: While the Gospels recount specific miracles of healing, casting out devils, raising the dead, and controlling nature, Acts 10:38 states that Jesus "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." This implies a continuous, widespread ministry of power, far exceeding the documented cases. Each touch, each word of healing, was a unique manifestation of divine compassion and authority.
  • His Personal Encounters: Think of the countless individuals Jesus met on His journeys – the unnamed sick, the curious onlookers, the children brought to Him, the disciples' mundane questions, the quiet moments of prayer and communion with the Father. Each interaction was loaded with eternal significance, shaping lives and revealing the Father's heart in ways that could never be fully captured in writing.

The "many other things" are not insignificant omissions but rather a testament to the boundless nature of the one who is the Word made flesh. The human capacity for recording and disseminating knowledge is finite, while the divine activity of Jesus Christ is without limit.

The Divine Author and His Infinite Works

The seemingly hyperbolic statement in John 21:25 ceases to be mere exaggeration when understood in light of Jesus' true identity. He is not merely a prophet, a teacher, or a man, but God incarnate. As John 1:1 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And in John 1:3, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." If Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Colossians 1:16-17), then His earthly ministry, though confined to a specific time and place, is an extension of an eternally active, infinite being.

The "world itself could not contain the books" speaks to this divine infinitude. It is not just about the physical space for books, but the conceptual capacity of the finite world to grasp and fully record the works of the infinite God. Every action of Jesus, every word He uttered, was imbued with divine wisdom, power, and love, stemming from His eternal essence. To attempt to capture it all would be like trying to bottle the ocean or measure the cosmos with a ruler. His wisdom is "unsearchable" (Romans 11:33), His understanding "infinite" (Psalms 147:5). Therefore, the record of His earthly walk, however comprehensive the Gospels may seem, remains but a glimpse into the boundless reality of who He is and what He has done, and continues to do.

Implications for the Believer: Living the Unwritten Story

This final verse of John’s Gospel carries profound implications for every believer:

  • Humility and Awe: It cultivates a spirit of humility, reminding us that our knowledge of Christ, though precious and sufficient for salvation, is far from exhaustive. There is always more to learn, more to discover, more depths of His love and wisdom to plumb. This leads to profound awe and worship, as we stand before a God whose greatness truly knows no bounds.
  • Trust in His Sovereignty: If even the world cannot contain all that Jesus did, then we can trust that His plan for our lives, for the church, and for the world, is infinitely wise and perfect, even when we do not fully comprehend it. What He has revealed is enough, and what remains unrevealed is equally under His sovereign control.
  • The Enduring Power of the Written Word: The fact that John felt compelled to write anything underscores the divine inspiration and sufficiency of the Scriptures we do possess. Though not exhaustive, the Gospels are perfectly adequate for their purpose: to lead us to faith and eternal life. The unwritten works do not diminish the power of the written; rather, they magnify the One about whom they are written.
  • Our Participation in the Continuing Story: The story of Jesus did not end with His ascension. He continues His work through His Holy Spirit in the church, His body on earth. Every act of compassion, every proclamation of the Gospel, every life transformed by His grace, is a continuation of the "many other things which Jesus did." We are called to be living epistles, revealing Christ to a lost world, becoming part of the ongoing, unwritten narrative of His redemptive activity (2 Corinthians 3:3).
  • Anticipation of Future Revelation: This verse also hints at the eternal state. In glory, we will experience a full revelation of Christ that far surpasses our current understanding. The "books" that could not be contained may well represent the eternal worship and unending discovery of His person and works throughout eternity.

    • The "Amen" at the end of John 21:25 is not just a concluding word but an affirmation of truth. It seals the declaration with divine certainty, reminding us that this statement about Christ's inexhaustible works is utterly true and trustworthy.

    Conclusion: The Continuing Narrative

    The final verse of John's Gospel, John 21:25, is far from a simplistic ending; it is an expansive portal into the boundless reality of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that while the written Word is complete and sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth, the Person of Christ and the scope of His divine activity are infinite. His story is not confined to the pages of history or the limits of human comprehension. It continues to unfold in the lives of believers, through the mission of the church, and will culminate in His glorious return, when every eye shall see Him (Revelation 1:7) and the full measure of His glory will be revealed.

    Let this verse inspire us to delve deeper into the written Word, knowing that each truth therein is a window into an inexhaustible God. Let it compel us to live lives that reflect His ongoing work, participating in the "many other things" He continues to do in the world. For truly, the story of Jesus Christ is an eternal narrative, a symphony of divine love and power that transcends all bounds, and which, even the world itself, could never fully contain.