There are many more things that Jesus did.This phrase emphasizes the vastness of Jesus' ministry and works beyond what is recorded in the Gospels. The Gospels focus on key events and teachings, but Jesus' life was filled with countless acts of compassion, miracles, and teachings. This statement aligns with the understanding that the Gospels are selective narratives, each with a theological purpose. The phrase also highlights the divine nature of Jesus, whose works are too numerous to be fully documented, reflecting His boundless power and influence.
If all of them were written down,
The hypothetical scenario of documenting every act of Jesus underscores the limitations of human record-keeping compared to the infinite nature of His deeds. This reflects the ancient practice of oral tradition, where not all events were recorded in writing but were passed down through storytelling. It also suggests the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Gospel writers to include what was necessary for faith and doctrine.
I suppose that not even the world itself would have space
This hyperbolic expression illustrates the magnitude of Jesus' impact. It suggests that the physical world cannot contain the full extent of His works, pointing to the spiritual and eternal significance of His ministry. This echoes the idea found in other scriptures, such asColossians 1:17, where Christ is described as holding all things together, indicating His omnipresence and omnipotence.
for the books that would be written.
The imagery of an unending library of books serves to convey the inexhaustible nature of Jesus' life and mission. It implies that the written word is insufficient to capture the fullness of Christ, pointing believers to seek a personal relationship with Him through faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This also connects to the Johannine theme of Jesus as the Word (Logos), whose essence transcends written text, as seen inJohn 1:1.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, whose life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. This verse emphasizes the vastness of His works.
2.
John the ApostleThe author of the Gospel of John, traditionally believed to be the "disciple whom Jesus loved." He provides a unique perspective on Jesus' life and ministry.
3.
The WorldRefers to the physical world and humanity. The hyperbolic statement about the world not having space for the books underscores the magnitude of Jesus' works.
4.
The Gospel of JohnThe book in which this verse is found, focusing on the divinity of Christ and His relationship with humanity.
5.
The Unrecorded Works of JesusThis event or concept highlights that Jesus' actions and teachings were so numerous that they could not all be documented.
Teaching Points
The Limitlessness of Christ's WorksJesus' impact is immeasurable, and His works extend beyond what is recorded. This encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Him, knowing there is always more to learn and experience.
The Purpose of the GospelThe Gospel of John was written to inspire belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Understanding this purpose helps believers focus on the core message of salvation and eternal life.
Faith Beyond DocumentationBelievers are called to have faith in the unseen and the unrecorded. Trusting in Jesus involves accepting that His influence and actions are beyond human comprehension.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, including understanding the unrecorded works of Jesus. This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and reliance on the Spirit.
The Call to WitnessJust as not all of Jesus' works were recorded, believers are encouraged to continue His work by sharing their testimonies and living out the Gospel in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 21:25?
2.How does John 21:25 emphasize the vastness of Jesus' works and teachings?
3.What does "the world itself could not contain" reveal about Jesus' impact?
4.How can we apply the message of John 21:25 in daily evangelism?
5.What other scriptures highlight the abundance of Jesus' miracles and teachings?
6.How does John 21:25 inspire us to continue learning about Jesus' life?
7.Why does John 21:25 suggest Jesus did more than recorded in the Bible?
8.How does John 21:25 impact the belief in biblical inerrancy?
9.What are the implications of John 21:25 for the sufficiency of Scripture?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 21?
11.What are the agrapha in Christian texts?
12.What are the agrapha in Christian texts?
13.In 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, Paul mentions a severe ordeal in Asia—why is there no clear historical or archaeological record to confirm this event outside the Bible?
14.Why does 2 Chronicles 15:5 portray widespread turmoil when outside historical records from that period don’t mention such chaos?What Does John 21:25 Mean
There are many more things that Jesus didJohn 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 downThe 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 supposeJohn’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 writtenJohn 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.
summaryJohn 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.
(25)
And there are also many other things which Jesus did. . . .--The MSS. evidence for this verse is also so conclusive that almost every competent editor inserts it in his text, but it is not found in the famous Sinaitic Codex. The transference from the plural to the singular--"We know" (
John 21:24), "I suppose" (in this verse)--has led to the supposition, which is in every way probable, that it is the individual testimony of an amanuensis who, from personal knowledge of the life of Christ, or from knowledge derived from the Apostle John or from others, feels that full beyond all human thought as this Gospel is, it is but a part of the greater fulness. No book could record, no words could tell, what that life was, or what things Jesus did. The disciples saw and believed, and wrote these things that we may believe, and in believing may have life in His name.
The word "Amen" is not found in the better MSS., and in no part of the written text. It is the natural prayer of some copyist, as it is the natural prayer of every devout reader that the writer's purpose may be fulfilled.
The chief MSS. have a subscription appended to the Gospel. "According to John" (Vatican); "Gospel according to John" (Sinaitic [?], Alexandrine, Paris, Basle); "Gospel according to John is ended;" "Gospel according to Luke begins" (Cambridge).
#define description=DESC#define abbreviation=ABBR
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#define version=3
Verse 25. -There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written one by one (or, each by itself),I suppose even the world itself would not contain the books which would (then)be written. Some have suggested the idea thatχωρήσειν, orχωρῆσαι, means "morally contain," "bear with.... endure." This is unsatisfactory. The writer, by the use of the name "Jesus," is not going back to the pre-existing, premundane activity of the Logos, but is simply conveying his enthusiastic sense of the inexhaustible fullness of the human life of the blessed Lord. The whole redeeming life, word, and work of the Word made flesh had a quality of infinity about it. The entire evangelic narrative has only touched the fringe of this vast manifestation, a few hours or days of the incomparable life. Every moment of it was infinitely rich in its Contents, in its suggestions, in its influence. Every act was a revelation of the Father, of the Son, of the Holy Spirit, giving vistas into the eternities, and openings into the heart and bosom of Deity. Let all that thus was done take thought-shape in human minds, and word-shape in human speech, and book-shape or embodiment in human literature, and there are no conceivable limits to its extent. We use such expressions continually, without feeling that we are adopting any unnatural or unhealthy hyperbole. The infinite abundance of the teaching and significance of the blessed life of the Son of God is ample justification of the apostolic enthusiasm.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
There are
Ἔστιν(Estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
many
πολλὰ(polla)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.
more things
ἄλλα(alla)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 243:Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different.
that
ἃ(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς(Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
did.
ἐποίησεν(epoiēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.
If
ἐὰν(ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.
all of them
καθ’(kath’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).
were written down,
γράφηται(graphētai)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.
I suppose that
οἶμαι(oimai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3633:To think, suppose, expect, imagine. Or oimai middle voice apparently from hoios; to make like, i.e. Imagine.
not even
οὐδ’(oud’)
Adverb
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.
the
τὸν(ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
world
κόσμον(kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).
itself
αὐτὸν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
would have space
χωρήσειν(chōrēsein)
Verb - Future Infinitive Active
Strong's 5562:From chora; to be in space, i.e. to pass, enter, or to hold, admit.
for the
τὰ(ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
books
βιβλία(biblia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 975:A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.
that would be written.
γραφόμενα(graphomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.
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NT Gospels: John 21:25 There are also many other things which (Jhn Jo Jn)
