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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 20:31 mean?

Explanation

John 20:31 serves as a concise statement of purpose for the Gospel of John as a whole.

The verse emphasizes that the events and testimonies recorded are written with the intent that readers will come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and the Son of God.

The affirmation of Jesus' divinity and messianic identity is key to the author's objective.

In stating that "believing ye might have life through his name," it suggests that such faith in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but is transformative, leading to eternal life, a central theme in the Johannine writings.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written between 90 and 110 AD, later than the other three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

This was a time when the Christian community was becoming more distinct from Judaism, facing internal theological divisions and external persecution.

The passage reflects an era where establishing the identity of Jesus and developing a Christology was critical for the early Church's survival and growth.

John's Gospel differs from the Synoptic Gospels by focusing more on the theological implications of Jesus's life and less on the chronological details of his ministry.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse gets to the heart of Johannine Christianity. The idea that belief in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God is paramount for salvation is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, especially emphasized in John's Gospel.

From an orthodox perspective, this verse underscores the soteriological significance of Jesus’ identity and the transformative power of belief in him.

From a more critical scholarly point of view, the verse might be seen as an apologetic response, advocating for the legitimacy of Jesus’ divinity in a context where various interpretations of his nature were in conflict.

Additionally, it may be seen as supporting high Christology, which emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus over his human aspects.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 20:31 encourages individuals to consider the claims of Jesus and challenges them to embrace faith in him as both savior and God incarnate.

For believers, it supports the practice of sharing the gospel, strengthening the faith, and helping others to find eternal life through Jesus.

For personal spiritual development, this verse could inspire meditation on the nature of Jesus and the importance of faith in Christian life.

Cross-References

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Believest thou this?"

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms in this verse include:

"πιστεύητε" (pisteuēte) meaning "you may believe." This verb is in the subjunctive mood, which often conveys potential or purpose.
"ζωὴν" (zōēn) meaning "life," often associated in John's Gospel with eternal or spiritual life, rather than mere physical existence.
"ὄνομα" (onoma) translates as "name," which in the ancient Jewish culture, represented more than just a label, but the essence and power of a person.

These terms underscore the relationship between faith, identity, and spiritual life as interwoven concepts in the Johannine community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient religions, where belief in a deity or deities could confer blessings and life, Christianity posits a relationship with the divine through Jesus as essential for eternal well-being.

However, the uniqueness of Christianity, particularly emphasized in the Gospel of John, is that eternal life is not achieved through rituals or adhering to laws but through believing in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly engage scientific discourses, it speaks to questions that lie beyond the scope of scientific inquiry, such as the meaning of life, the nature of belief, and the possibility of life after death.

These are metaphysical concerns, which while not answerable by empirical methods, can be complementary to a scientific understanding of the world when seen through the lens of personal and religious faith.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on John 20:31.

Many commentaries suggest this verse operates as a thesis statement for the entirety of John's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' messianic and divine identity as well as the evangelical aim of instilling faith in readers.

Scholars like D.A.

Carson suggest that the purpose of the signs mentioned earlier in the chapter is to reveal Jesus' glory and lead to belief, while Leon Morris notes the evangelistic and life-giving intent of the Gospel as a call to faith.

In more critical scholarship, such as the work of Rudolf Bultmann, the verse is seen through an existential lens, interpreting "life" as a present experience of salvation through an encounter with the risen Christ, rather than a solely futurist eschatological hope.

John 20

John 20

What does John 20:31 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 20:31 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?