Why is it important to trust "the disciple who testifies to these things"?

Setting the Verse in Context

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

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Why John’s Testimony Matters

• Eyewitness credibility

– Present at the Last Supper (John 13:23)

– Stood by the cross (John 19:26–27)

– First to reach the empty tomb (John 20:8)

– His Gospel records what he personally “heard, … saw with [his] own eyes” (1 John 1:1)

• Spirit-given accuracy

– Jesus promised, “the Holy Spirit … will remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26)

– “No prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21)

• Verified by the believing community

– The plural “we know” (John 21:24) reflects corporate affirmation

– Early church fathers consistently cited John as author and apostolic authority

• Consistency with the whole counsel of God

– John 1:1 mirrors Genesis 1:1, uniting creation and redemption

– His letters echo his Gospel themes (love, truth, obedience)

– Revelation completes the prophetic arc begun in Daniel and Isaiah

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Implications for Our Faith

1. Certainty about Jesus’ identity

• John records seven “I am” statements and signs so “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31).

2. Confidence in the promise of eternal life

• “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life” (John 5:24).

3. Clarity on how to live now

• “Whoever says he abides in Him must walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6).

4. Hope for the future

• Revelation assures, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7).

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Practical Takeaways

• Read John’s writings expecting dependable history and divine insight.

• Measure teaching you hear against his clear-eyed portrayal of Christ (1 John 4:1–6).

• Let his testimony anchor your assurance—what he saw, the Spirit sealed; what he wrote, the church confirmed; what he promised, God will fulfill (2 Timothy 3:16).