What does John 20:27 mean?

Explanation

John 20:27 recounts an event that took place after Jesus’ resurrection.

Doubting Thomas is a nickname that emerged because of this event; Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, did not initially believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.

He famously stated that unless he could see the nail marks in Jesus' hands, and put his finger where the nails were, and put his hand into Jesus' side, he would not believe it was true (John 20:25).

In this verse, Jesus appears to Thomas and offers him the opportunity to do exactly that, to touch his wounds and be convinced that He indeed had risen.

The phrase "be not faithless, but believing" is Jesus' admonition to Thomas to abandon his disbelief and embrace faith.

Historical Context

This event occurs within the context of the early Christian community's struggle with the reality of the resurrection.

In the first century, such a concept was as difficult to believe as it might be now, and perhaps even more so, as resurrections were not part of the common religious expectation.

John's Gospel was likely written toward the end of the first century, at a time when the early Church was reflecting on the apostolic testimony and the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant for a number of interpretations.

From a traditional Christian standpoint, it reinforces the belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus, that Jesus' body was literally raised and not just spiritually. It also underscores the importance of faith over skepticism in Christian belief.

In a broader theological framework, the verse can be interpreted as the tension between faith and doubt, and the encounter of the divine with the human need for empirical evidence.

Thomas' experience is often understood as a testament to the fact that faith, while personal, is often grounded in a tangible experience or encounter.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse teaches about the journey from doubt to faith. It offers the idea that inquiry and doubt are a part of the faith experience and not antithetical to it.

Christians can be encouraged that even one of Jesus' own disciples struggled with belief, and that faith often comes after a period of questioning and seeking proof. It highlights that followers of Christ can be honest about their doubts, and that faith often comes through personal experience.

Cross-References

• John 20:25: "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."

• 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."
• Luke 24:39-40: "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."
• 1 Peter 1:8: "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the command "reach hither" translates as "φέρε" (phere), meaning to bring or move to a place.

The words "faithless" and "believing" translate to "ἄπιστος" (apistos, without faith or unbelieving) and "πιστεύων" (pisteuon, believing or having faith), respectively. These terms sketch out the thematic opposition between faith and disbelief, a key element of this passage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the motif of a deity or a divine figure displaying wounds as proof of identity or resurrection is rare in ancient mythologies.

However, the theme of overcoming doubt through tangible evidence can find loose parallels in various mythological traditions where gods and heroes provide proofs to skeptical humans.

Sure, other religious contexts emphasize faith in the unseen as a virtue, such as in Islam, where belief in the unseen (al-ghayb) is a foundational aspect of faith.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the idea of someone physically rising from the dead contradicts our understanding of biology and the natural laws governing life and death.

However, the interaction between Thomas and Jesus in this verse can open up discussions on human psychology, particularly the need for empirical evidence to establish belief, which is a basis of the scientific method.

The interplay between empirical evidence and belief systems continues to be a subject of interest in both scientific and religious discussions.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on John 20:27.

William Barclay describes how Jesus is meeting Thomas at his point of need, showing Jesus' sympathy and willingness to answer the doubts of His followers.

D.A.

Carson notes that Jesus' invitation to Thomas is a direct response to Thomas's earlier declaration of unbelief and is a powerful encouragement for genuine faith.

Matthew Henry further adds that Thomas' doubt was overruled for the greater establishment of faith in future generations, as we see the patience and condescension of Christ to a weak believer.