Jn 21:20-25
Many other things: The concluding words of John’s gospel actually comprise the second ending. These were probably added by the redactor; the evangelist made his conclusion earlier, noting the purpose of the book (Jn 20:31).
Many other things: The concluding words of John’s gospel actually comprise the second ending. These were probably added by the redactor; the evangelist made his conclusion earlier, noting the purpose of the book (Jn 20:31).
People tend to see the gospels as books of history or biographies of Jesus. When they meet problems with the historical or chronological facts or with the comparison of the different gospels, they find it difficult to accept that these are inspired Word of God. But the gospels are not biographies as we understand biographies today. They are proclamations of the faith in Jesus, which include, among others, what Jesus said and did.
They are documents of faith, with the purpose of leading people who read them to deeper faith in Christ. John expresses this clearly: “These are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:31). When the fourth gospel was finally put in writing, about sixty or seventy years have passed since Jesus preached the Good News. The stories about Jesus and his words were remembered, passed on, transformed by reflection, and lived—before they were put in writing. It is very possible that many words and deeds of Jesus were not remembered at all. But in God’s design, what was kept and passed on for future generations is enough for our life of faith.