This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
John 21:24-25
Well we have come to the end of John’s Gospel. I never imagined I would write 130 Gems to cover this gospel when I started. Like John says I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that could be written. Indeed that is the case when it comes to writing or commenting on the Bible. I have tried to share with you the depth of the text. I have attempted to inspire you with how deep Scripture really is. I have not commented on everything that could be commented on, but only the noteworthy elements of the text. The kinds of things that people are generally not aware of. I am not interesting in just adding my bit to an already overfull “commentary”.
I want to help people to understand their Bibles better and to understand the way to deepen their awareness and comprehension of Scripture. That is important to me. That is why we are on the verge of starting a new focus on Scripture Use. Helping people to use their Bibles to the fullest extent. In Wycliffe we are intent on people having the Scripture in the language they understand the best and then using it. I hope these Bible Gems have done just that for you. Please communicate with me and tell me if they have helped you. Is it worth me writing these Gems daily? Are they helpful or not? What else can I do to make them more helpful to you. It is evaluation time now and so your input will help me in the process of refining the Bible Gems.
I intend to move on to the book of Romans. Romans is a deep book and requires a methodical approach to unwrap its treasures. Paul’s mind is like that of a lawyer arguing his case. For that reason take all the tips that I have shared with you so far and apply them to Romans. You will need your wits about you as we dig into this book. There are treasures to be found; not like John’s but treasures none the less.
With regard to John I recommend you read through it again knowing what you know now of John’s plan and his methods and normal practices. If you read John’s Gospel through again while it is still fresh in your mind you will connect up the pieces more readily. That is what happened to me while I was at Bible College and realised the benefit of staying with something while it is still in focus and fresh in the mind.
I will start posting the next series of Gems on Romans after a break.
Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.
Donald McKay