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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 20:30 mean?

Explanation

John 20:30 refers to the many miracles and signs Jesus performed in the presence of his disciples that were not all documented within the Gospel of John.

The word "signs" in this context is typically understood to mean miraculous events that reveal divine character or purpose, suggesting that these acts were intended to demonstrate Jesus' divine authority and messianic identity.

The verse emphasizes that the written account in John's Gospel is not exhaustive, implying that Jesus' works were so numerous and profound that they could not all be recorded.

This statement can also be seen as an acknowledgment that the essence and full impact of Jesus' life and ministry cannot be fully contained within any text.

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Historical Context

John 20:30 appears toward the end of the Gospel of John, which was likely written between A.D. 90 and 100.

The author, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, wrote this Gospel with a specific purpose: to inspire belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.

The historical context of this writing includes the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire amidst various religious beliefs and the challenges of establishing Christian doctrine against heresies and persecution.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, John 20:30 may be interpreted in different ways:

Incarnational Theology: Jesus' signs are seen as expressions of God's presence and actions in the world, incarnate in Jesus.
Christological Focus: The verse underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and the importance of faith based on his works and teachings.
Ecclesiology: The acknowledgement of unwritten acts implies the role of tradition alongside scripture within the community of faith.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life through several means:

Acknowledgment of the Limitations of Scripture: While scripture is vital for faith, this verse can encourage believers to also seek God's revelation in their personal and communal experiences.
Faith Beyond Sight: Since not all signs were recorded, individuals are invited to have faith in Jesus even without witnessing miracles firsthand.

Cross-References

John 21:25 - "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

Amen."

Luke 1:3 – "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,"
Acts 1:3 - "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text for this verse is "σημεῖᾳ" (sēmeia), which is translated as "signs" in English. This term in biblical context often refers to miraculous events that point to theological truths, specifically concerning Jesus' messianic identity and divine mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient myths and religions might highlight that many traditions have stories of miraculous events performed by deities or heroes.

The Gospels' accounts of Jesus' miracles set themselves apart by emphasizing that these signs are not just for spectacle but are fundamentally revelations of God's character and salvific intent.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, discussions on miracles often focus on the compatibility of faith with empirical observation and the natural laws.

While miracles, by definition, are exceptions to natural laws and cannot be scientifically verified, they are significant for many as matters of faith and personal belief.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 20:30 provide insights into the author's intent and the theological significance of the unwritten signs.

Many agree that the verse serves the dual purpose of establishing the credibility of the witnessed miracles while also inviting the reader to experience Jesus through faith, beyond what is recorded.

Biblical scholars like D.A. Carson and Leon Morris note that it emphasizes the selective nature of the Gospel accounts, aimed at encouraging belief, rather than providing a comprehensive biography of Jesus.

John 20

John 20

What does John 20:30 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 20:30 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?