John 21:23

Jesus’ statement here led to a rumor that John would not die before Jesus returned. This is one of the earliest instances of people setting a date for the Lord’s return. All such attempts to identify exactly when Jesus will return go beyond Scriptural revelation.

John clarified what Jesus really did say to squelch the rumor, which was evidently circulating when he wrote this Gospel. The clarification was important because when John died some people might have falsely concluded that Jesus had not been faithful to His promise to return. Others might conclude that John’s Gospel was not trustworthy. However, Jesus had spoken of a hypothetical possibility. He had not given a promise.

"In view of the fact that in this Gospel slight variations when statements are repeated are almost universal, it is noteworthy that here the statement is repeated exactly from John 21:22. The precise words used are significant, and the writer is at pains to be accurate." [Note: Morris, p. 775.]

"The author’s explanation of Jesus’ announcement may be taken as evidence that the disciple was still living at the time this Gospel was written and that he was the source of its content. Obviously, if he had died early, the rumor would have had no credence." [Note: Tenney, "John," p. 203.]

It is interesting and significant that the last words of Jesus that John recorded were about His return. This is the great hope of His believing disciples.