19:35 does indeed seem to be referring to a single thing. There are various thoughts on it, e.g. as to whether it was part of some redaction (maybe by the same people involved in the 21st chapter) or not. And although there are multiple ways it has been interpreted; at first impression, it has the feel of a third party claiming something about what someone else said, rather than a first party referring to themselves in the third person. Basically, it's a bit of a complicated topic on its own, as far as I understand.
What you suggest is a possible way to resolve the ambiguity of the reference:
I'm not sure we can say that this possibilty is, therefore, what was meant. But I can see how it is a possibility.
As far as how it's often read instead:
John 21:24 refers to a "we" that are writing and vouching for his testimony:
John 20:31 also has the word ταῦτα, and it appears to be like an ending:
John 21:24 has 'bearing witness to these' (περὶ τούτων) and 'having written these' (ὁ γράψας ταῦτα).
It's often read instead that the 21st chapter is not by "the disciple" and that the "we" writing shows awareness of this fact, which is behind what we see as an aporia between the 20th chapter and the 21st chapter, which they are adding. It's also often read as though the addition of the 21st chapter isn't attempting to conceal the idea that, at the present moment, this disciple is dead, prompting them to clarify and correct a rumor "that this disciple would not die." It's often read as referring back to previous chapters, claiming who has written them down, with a connection in particular to John 20:31, a more original ending.
It's also possible (not that I would argue for it) to fuse your idea and this idea, i.e., to suggest that 'these things' are the things just written and also everything previous. I think that's also sometimes suggested.
What you suggest is a possible way to resolve the ambiguity of the reference:
In which case, the interpretation proposed would seem to be that this disciple allegedly wrote down the truth about Jesus' post-resurrection statement, "If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?"So if this seemingly oral testimony in 19:35 refers to a single event and not to the entire gospel of John, wouldn't the same apply to the written testimony in 21:24?
I'm not sure we can say that this possibilty is, therefore, what was meant. But I can see how it is a possibility.
As far as how it's often read instead:
John 21:24 refers to a "we" that are writing and vouching for his testimony:
And we know that his testimony is true.
John 20:31 also has the word ταῦτα, and it appears to be like an ending:
But these (ταῦτα) are written (γέγραπται) that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 21:24 has 'bearing witness to these' (περὶ τούτων) and 'having written these' (ὁ γράψας ταῦτα).
It's often read instead that the 21st chapter is not by "the disciple" and that the "we" writing shows awareness of this fact, which is behind what we see as an aporia between the 20th chapter and the 21st chapter, which they are adding. It's also often read as though the addition of the 21st chapter isn't attempting to conceal the idea that, at the present moment, this disciple is dead, prompting them to clarify and correct a rumor "that this disciple would not die." It's often read as referring back to previous chapters, claiming who has written them down, with a connection in particular to John 20:31, a more original ending.
It's also possible (not that I would argue for it) to fuse your idea and this idea, i.e., to suggest that 'these things' are the things just written and also everything previous. I think that's also sometimes suggested.
Statistics: Posted by Peter Kirby — Fri Jun 21, 2024 1:53 pm