JOHN 21. THE APPENDIX. It is pure dogmatism to assert that after the solemn ending of ch. 20 the author could not have added to his work. But 21 is clearly an appendix, added after the completion of the gospel. [88] There is no trace of the circulation of the gospel without it, unless we so regard t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE APPEARANCE BY THE LAKE OF TIBERIAS. As Josephus speaks of the lake as the lake near Tiberias, the name used here cannot be pressed as a proof of late date. The verb used for manifested is not found in the gospel in connexion with the Resurrection appearances. There is also no mention of the sons... [ Continue Reading ]
FOLLOWING AND TARRYING. According to the earliest Christian tradition, Marcan and Pauline, an appearance to Peter was one of the earliest if not the earliest event after the Resurrection. If this section is historical it must be interpreted as teaching the leaders, and especially Peter, in terms whi... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN 21:24 F. CONCLUSION OF THE APPENDIX. In John 21:24 the disciple to whom this saying was addressed is said to be the witness of the events recorded in the gospel, and its actual author. The content of the gospel is his, even if he did not actually hold the pen, any more than Pilate actually penn... [ Continue Reading ]