What does John 20:3 mean?

Explanation

John 20:3 discusses the actions of two individuals, the Apostle Peter and another disciple, after hearing the news of Jesus's empty tomb.

This verse indicates the immediacy and urgency with which they respond.

It shows that upon hearing the news from Mary Magdalene, they went forth to see for themselves. 'That other disciple' is traditionally understood to be John, the author of the Gospel.

Their journey to the sepulcher (tomb) is filled with a mixture of emotions, likely including confusion, hope, and anxiety over what they would find, reflecting the human response to the extraordinary claim of resurrection.

Historical Context

John 20:3 is set in the context of first-century Judea, under Roman occupation.

The events occur shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus, a period of immense turmoil and confusion for his followers.

The Romans had sealed and guarded tombs to prevent tampering.

The 'sepulchre' referred to is a tomb cut from rock, common in that time and region, where the body of Jesus was laid to rest.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, different Christian denominations may emphasize various aspects of Peter and John running to the tomb.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions often focus on the apostolic witness and the verification of the Resurrection by the leaders of the early Church.

Protestant theologians might stress the personal quest for truth and the importance of verifying faith claims through experience or evidence.

Practical Applications

There are practical life applications that can be drawn from this verse.

It encourages individuals to seek the truth actively and not merely accept secondhand reports.

The actions of Peter and John can also be understood as a model for responding to news and information with a sense of urgency and a desire to understand events firsthand.

Cross-References

• Luke 24:12 - "Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass."
• John 20:8 - "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed."
• Mark 16:1-4 - Describes Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James buying spices to anoint Jesus’s body and finding the stone rolled away from the tomb.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek for this verse are:

• "Peter" (Πέτρος, Petros), a name meaning 'rock'.
• "therefore" (οὖν, oun), a conjunction that often indicates a logical result.
• "went forth" (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen), a verb indicating departure or movement from a place.
• "other disciple" (ἄλλος μαθητής, allos mathētēs), here likely a reference to the author himself, John.
• "sepulchre" (τὸ μνημεῖον, to mnēmeion), which refers to a tomb or memorial place for the dead.

The reading of the Greek text emphasizes the action undertaken by Peter and the emphasis on the other disciple who is with him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The empty tomb narrative has parallels in various religious texts and myths where a deity or hero undergoes death and resurrection or similar transformative experiences.

In ancient Egyptian religion, the god Osiris is killed and then resurrected, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

However, in the Christian context, the resurrection of Jesus is unique in that it is a historical event with theological implications for the nature of God and salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the process of verifying claims through direct observation is emphasized in this verse.

While science does not comment on supernatural claims like resurrection, the approach Peter and John take, rushing to see the evidence of the empty tomb for themselves, mirrors the empirical method that science values: observing, testing, and drawing conclusions from evidence.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have provided various interpretations of John 20:3.

William Barclay notes the depth of love and concern that drove Peter and John to the tomb.

Matthew Henry emphasizes the zeal and affection the two showed for Jesus in their race to find him.

Raymond E.

Brown, a Catholic scholar, discusses the theme of misunderstanding and eventual understanding as the disciples grapple with the reality of the Resurrection throughout the Gospel of John.