What does John 21:25 mean?
What is the meaning of John 21:25?

There are many more things that Jesus did

John ends his Gospel by reminding us that the three-year ministry we read about is only a glimpse of Christ’s full activity.

John 20:30–31 already said, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples…”—a direct parallel.

Luke 24:19 speaks of Jesus as “mighty in deed and word,” hinting that His daily life overflowed with divine action.

Acts 1:1–2 notes that the Gospel records only “all that Jesus began to do and to teach,” implying the story continues.

Because every deed of Jesus is perfect and purposeful, even the unrecorded acts are just as historical and trustworthy as the ones we know.


If all of them were written down

The Spirit led the writers to be selective so that the Scriptures remain clear, sufficient, and portable.

Luke 1:1–4 shows Luke carefully arranging his material “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that what was included is “God-breathed and profitable,” meaning nothing essential was left out.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns, “Of making many books there is no end,” highlighting God’s mercy in giving us a concise, complete canon rather than an unmanageable library.


I suppose

John’s “I suppose” is not uncertainty but a personal, eyewitness reflection from the last surviving apostle.

1 John 1:1–3 shows John stressing, “what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes… we proclaim.”

Revelation 1:1–2 portrays him as one “who testified to everything he saw.”

His seasoned perspective invites us to share his awe: after decades of pondering Jesus, he is still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of His works.


that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written

John uses an expansive statement to convey the infinite glory of Christ. It is figurative in scale yet literal in its point: the totality of Jesus’ works is immeasurable.

Psalm 40:5 marvels, “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done… they are too numerous to declare.”

Job 5:9 speaks of God “performing wonders that cannot be fathomed.”

Romans 11:33 rejoices, “Oh, the depth of the riches… how unsearchable His judgments!”

Colossians 1:15–17 presents Christ as Creator and Sustainer; if all His actions from eternity were recorded, creation itself could not contain the record.

The statement magnifies Jesus’ boundless activity and invites worship, not skepticism.


summary

John 21:25 reminds us that the Gospels are accurate yet intentionally concise snapshots of an inexhaustible Savior. What Scripture records is fully sufficient for faith, but the Lord’s deeds extend far beyond the page. The verse nudges us to marvel at Christ’s limitless works, trust the complete truthfulness of the Bible we have, and look forward to learning more of His wonders throughout eternity.

Why is the testimony in John 21:24 considered trustworthy?
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