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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 20:26 mean?

Explanation

John 20:26 recounts an appearance of Jesus Christ to His disciples after His resurrection.

It specifically focuses on the inclusion of Thomas, who had expressed doubt about Jesus' resurrection when he wasn't present during an earlier appearance to the other disciples.

The doors being shut suggests that Jesus miraculously appeared to them without using a conventional entrance, emphasizing His glorified and supernatural state.

The phrase "Peace be unto you" was a common greeting, but coming from Jesus, it also conveyed spiritual peace and the reconciliation of humankind with God, accomplished through His death and resurrection.

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Historical Context

This verse is a continuation of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus documented in the Gospel of John, written approximately between AD 90 and AD 110.

During this time, early Christians were enduring persecution, and the Gospel's accounts of Jesus' resurrection served to strengthen their faith and affirm the core Christian belief in the risen Christ.

This particular account is important historically as it addresses skepticism among believers, represented by Thomas, and affirms the resurrection through physical proofs Jesus provides.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse addresses issues of doubt and belief.

It reinforces the Christian doctrine of the resurrection appearances validating the reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection.

Thomas' initial disbelief and subsequent faith upon witnessing Jesus is seen as a journey to faith that many can relate to.

Theologically, the appearance also confirms Jesus' divinity, as He performs a miracle just by appearing in a locked room, defining Him as not bound by physical laws.

Practical Applications

The verse encourages believers to find peace in the midst of uncertainty and challenges, just as Jesus offered peace to His troubled disciples.

It suggests that faith can overcome doubt, and that witnessing to others about one's personal experiences with faith can help alleviate the skepticism they may hold.

Moreover, the passage invites Christians to be compassionate toward those who struggle with doubt, guiding them gently toward belief.

Cross-References

John 20:19: "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."
John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

John 11:16: "Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him."
John 20:29: "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses some keywords that offer deeper understanding:

"οκτώ" (okto): meaning "eight," referring to days and signifying a new week or beginning.
"μέσος" (mesos): "in the midst," implies a central or focal presence of Jesus among His disciples.
"ειρήνη" (eirene): translated as "peace," matching the Hebrew word "shalom," used as a greeting and signifying completeness, wellbeing, and harmony.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions, physical appearances of gods or divine beings after their death are not uncommon, e.g., various mythologies include stories of deities returning from the underworld.

However, in the case of Jesus, the emphasis is on a physical resurrection rather than a spiritual or ghostly return, setting it aside from many mythological narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the description of Jesus appearing in a room with closed doors defies the natural law of matter and space. Such an account is not examinable by empirical science, as it is considered a supernatural event.

However, it raises interesting considerations about the understanding of reality, consciousness, and the possibility of phenomena beyond scientific explanation.

Commentaries

According to Matthew Henry's Commentary, this verse serves to deliver great comfort to the disciples, taking their fears and turning them into joy.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that Thomas' doubt was overruled for the good of the church by furnishing a demonstration of the resurrection of Jesus that could not be refuted.

Both commentaries agree on the importance of this event in establishing the foundation of the Christian belief in the physical resurrection of Christ.

John 20

John 20

What does John 20:26 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 20:26 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?