John 21:24

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

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The narrator addresses the readers at the close of the gospel to identify the source of the preceding account. This declaration follows Jesus's correction of a rumor about the disciple's longevity and precedes the note on the innumerable unrecorded deeds of Jesus.

The words — μαρτυρῶν (marturōn) means "is bearing witness," and τούτων (toutōn) means "these things." The text explicitly states that the disciple testifies concerning these recorded events and that the community knows his testimony is true.

The thread — The text grounds its claim in eyewitness verification, which John 19:35 and 1 John 1:1 also use to establish the reliability of the gospel message. John 15:27 extends this same requirement for firsthand testimony to the broader group of followers.

Why it lands — The text requires the reader to accept the account as historically grounded rather than speculative. It demands trust in the written record because the author explicitly confirms its factual accuracy.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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

Cross-references

John 15:27 And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
John 19:35 The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life.
1 John 5:6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth.
3 John 1:12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.