John 21:24 – “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is John’s personal confirmation that he is the author of this Gospel and that what he has written is true. When he says, “This is the disciple who testifies to these things,” he is referring to himself—John, the beloved disciple—as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

The phrase “We know that his testimony is true” is important. It suggests that John was not the only one verifying these events. There were others—likely the early Christian community—who also affirmed that John’s Gospel was accurate and trustworthy.

This verse highlights that the Gospel of John is not a collection of legends or myths but rather a true and reliable account of real events. John personally witnessed these things and wrote them so that people could believe in Jesus.

Historical Context

John was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, John 19:26). He was present at the Last Supper, stood at the foot of the cross, and was one of the first to see the empty tomb (John 20:8).

By the time John wrote his Gospel (likely around AD 85-95), the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) were already in circulation. John’s Gospel was written to give a deeper, more personal reflection on Jesus’ life and mission.

This verse reassured early Christians that John’s testimony was not based on hearsay but on firsthand experience. This was especially important because false teachings were already beginning to spread in the church.

Theological Implications

1. The Bible is Based on Eyewitness Testimony – John makes it clear that his account is not secondhand information. He personally saw what Jesus did and faithfully recorded it.
2. Christianity is Rooted in Truth, Not Myth – Some religions are built on speculation or mystical ideas, but Christianity is based on real events that were witnessed and recorded.
3. The Trustworthiness of Scripture – John emphasizes that his testimony is true. This reminds us that the Bible is not just a human book but is inspired by God and historically reliable.
4. God Preserves His Word Through His People – The phrase “We know that his testimony is true” suggests that the early Christians recognized the authority and truth of John’s Gospel, showing that God guided the church in preserving Scripture.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is carefully written, and this verse serves as a personal signature from the author, verifying his account.

• “This is the disciple who testifies” – This phrase emphasizes firsthand witness. Unlike secondhand stories, John saw these events himself.
• “Who wrote them down” – This confirms John as the author of the Gospel. Some people claim we cannot know who wrote the Bible, but here, John clearly identifies himself.
• “We know that his testimony is true” – This phrase serves as a communal affirmation, meaning that others in the early church also confirmed John’s Gospel as accurate.

This verse is similar to John 19:35, where John says, “The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true.” John often emphasized that his account was not based on opinions but on real experiences.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 19:35 – “The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true.” John repeats this idea, showing that his Gospel is reliable.
• Luke 1:1-4 – Luke also emphasizes that his Gospel is based on eyewitness accounts.
• 2 Peter 1:16 – Peter affirms, “We did not follow cleverly devised stories … but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
• 1 John 1:1-3 – In his letter, John again says that he was an eyewitness of Jesus’ life and that his testimony is trustworthy.
• Revelation 22:18-19 – John warns against adding or taking away from God’s Word, showing the importance of preserving Scripture accurately.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We Can Trust the Bible – Many people today doubt the reliability of Scripture. John’s words remind us that the Bible is based on real events, recorded by those who witnessed them firsthand.
2. Faith is Not Blind – Christianity is not about blindly believing something without evidence. The New Testament was written by people who saw, heard, and experienced Jesus personally.
3. God’s Word is Preserved for All Generations – Just as John’s Gospel was confirmed by others in the early church, we can trust that God has faithfully preserved His Word throughout history.
4. We Are Called to Share the Truth – John wrote down his testimony so that others would believe (John 20:31). Likewise, we should be bold in sharing the truth of Jesus with others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God Reveals Himself Clearly – God did not leave us with uncertain or unreliable information. He gave us His Word through eyewitnesses like John.
• God Cares About Truth – In a world full of misinformation and lies, God has provided a firm foundation of truth in His Word.
• God’s Word is for Everyone – John wrote his Gospel so that all people could know the truth about Jesus and have eternal life (John 20:31).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Living Word – John opens his Gospel by calling Jesus “the Word” (John 1:1). Now, at the end of his Gospel, he confirms that his written words testify to the truth of Jesus.
2. Jesus as the Fulfiller of Scripture – John’s testimony confirms that everything Jesus did was in fulfillment of God’s plan (John 5:39).
3. Jesus as the Truth – John records Jesus saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His Gospel exists to reveal the truth about Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does John’s statement about his testimony encourage your confidence in Scripture?
2. Why is it important that John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that the Bible is just a collection of myths or stories?
4. What does John’s commitment to writing down his testimony teach us about sharing our faith?
5. How can we help others understand that Christianity is based on real historical events, not blind faith?

This verse is a powerful reminder that our faith is built on truth, not speculation. John personally saw what Jesus did, wrote it down, and confirmed that it was true—so that we might believe and have eternal life in Him.