The Gospel of John Without The Extra Ending
Abstract
This article examines textual evidence suggesting that John 19:36-21:25 represents a later addition to the original Gospel of John. The analysis focuses on stylistic inconsistencies, natural ending points, and parallels with other Johannine writings to argue that the UPDV Bible's exclusion of these passages represents a more authentic version of the original text. The study has significant implications for biblical interpretation and understanding the development of New Testament texts.
Although known manuscripts contain the passages of John 19:36-21:25, they are likely to be additions by someone other than the original author. Accordingly, this text has not been included in the UPDV Bible.
The reasons for this determination include the following:
1) The wording of John 19:35 seems to be the most natural ending of the book. Note the similar endings at John 20:30-31 and 21:24-25 which progressively imitate and expand the ending at John 19:35. This may indicate two additional layers of expansion in the ending of the text of John.
2) John's ending at 3 John 1:12 is similar to John 19:35.
3) Several elements of style and vocabulary are not consistent with the author's writing in other places.
4) Generally, the content in this section conflicts with, or is not substantiated by, parallel accounts in the New Testament.