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John 20

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What does John 20:22 mean?

Explanation

John 20:22 describes an event where Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, appears to His disciples and imparts the Holy Spirit to them. In this scene, the act of Jesus breathing on His disciples is symbolic and carries deeper meaning. Literally, it is Jesus exhaling on His followers.

However, metaphorically, it signifies the transference of life, power, and authority from Jesus to His disciples. The breath is associated with the fundamental essence of life, as seen in the creation narrative where God breathes life into Adam.

In this verse, Jesus bestows the Holy Spirit, which is seen as the Comforter and Guide for His followers after His ascension. This is a transformative moment marking the beginning of the disciples' mission to spread the Gospel.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John is traditionally dated to the late first century A.D. and is thought to have been written by the Apostle John.

This passage is part of the post-resurrection narrative, where Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples, demonstrating that he has overcome death and providing them instructions before His ascension.

The historical context of this event is within the framework of Jewish customs and beliefs at the time.

The breath of God was a powerful image in the Jewish tradition, often associated with life and divine inspiration.

This act by Jesus signified a new era in the relationship between God and humanity, with the disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' work.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant for a number of viewpoints.

In Catholicism, this event is sometimes associated with the sacrament of Confirmation, where believers receive the Holy Spirit.

Protestant traditions might view this as a precursor to the Day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was given to the broader church community.

Additionally, this verse prompts discourse on the Trinity, as it involves the Father (God), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit in the act of empowering the disciples. The breathing on them could symbolize the direct impartation of divine life from Christ Himself.

Practical Applications

John 20:22 can be applied in daily life by emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in spiritual empowerment and guidance.

For individuals, this might translate to an openness to the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives, seeking spiritual gifts, and pursuing God's will.

For communities, it underscores the significance of collective mission in spreading the message of Jesus, fostering unity, and serving others in the Spirit's power.

The verse also invites believers to reflect on the transformative power of the resurrection and the ongoing presence of Christ in the world through His Spirit.

Cross-References

Genesis 2:7 - "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Acts 2:1-4 - "...they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Ezekiel 37:9-10 - "...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."
2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "breathed" is "ἐνεφύσησεν" (enephysēsen), which is related to the concept of blowing or breathing forcefully.

This root word is the same used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to describe God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7.

The term "Holy Ghost" translates to "Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα" (Hagion Pneuma), with "Ἅγιον" meaning "holy" and "Πνεῦμα" meaning "spirit" or "breath." This emphasizes the sanctity and life-giving power associated with the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the idea of a deity breathing life or spirit into humans is not unique to Christianity.

For example, in many Mesopotamian creation stories, gods are also described as giving life through their breath.

In Hinduism, the concept of prana is analogous to the breath of life, a vital force or energy that pervades the universe.

However, the Christian context is distinctive in its direct personal relationship between Jesus as the resurrected God-man and His followers, and the role of the Spirit in personal indwelling and empowerment for mission.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, breath is physiologically associated with life as it is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, essential for cellular respiration.

While the literal act of Jesus breathing on his disciples does not have a direct scientific correlation to the impartation of spiritual life, this metaphor resonates with the importance of breath for physical sustenance.

In this verse, breath serves as an illustrative bridge between the physical and the spiritual.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars offer diverse interpretations of John 20:22.

Some highlight the symbolic links to the creation narrative and the new creation in Christ. Others focus on the departure from the more collective Pentecost experience, emphasizing the personal reception of the Holy Spirit by the disciples directly from Jesus.

Commentators might also delineate this as an ordination of the disciples by Jesus, commissioning them for the work of the ministry and the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins.

This verse stands as a pivotal moment where Jesus equips His disciples with divine authority to carry out His mission on earth.

John 20

John 20

What does John 20:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 20:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?