John 20

Hendriksen

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 I.) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 20:1 10 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Visit of Peter and John to the Tomb. Within the Tomb the Evidences of the Resurrection) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 II.) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 20:11 18 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data UQ-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Appearance to Mary Magdalene) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 III.) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 20:19 23 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ok-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Appearance to the Disciples except Thomas) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 IV.) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 20:24 31 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Appearance to the Disciples, Thomas Also Present; Conclusion: Statement of the Purpose of the Gospel) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 V.) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ch. 21) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data _[-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 A. The Miraculous Catch of Fishes and the Breakfast on the Beach (verses 1 14)) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth%c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth6c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ie-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 B. Peter s Reinstatement ; Prediction concerning Peter; Correction of a Misunderstanding regarding Jesus Statement about John; Concluding Testimonial (verses 15 25)) 6 1 3 8 0 0 20:1 10 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and noticed the stone removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. 3 Then Peter came out and that other disciple, and they were coming toward the tomb. Now these two came running side by side. 4 But that other disciple started to run ahead, faster than Peter, and arrived at the tomb first. 5 And as he stooped, he noticed the linen bandages lying (there); however, he did not go inside. 6 Then Simon Peter also came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he observed the linen bandages lying (there), 7 and the sweat-band, which had been around his head, not lying with the linen bandages but folded up in a place by itself. 8 So then the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went inside, and he saw and believed; 9 for they had not previously understood the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back again to their homes. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20:1. Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and noticed the stone removed from the tomb.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is Sunday-morning, the first day ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 of the week) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 279) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” �� While it is still dark some women leave their homes (or temporary lodgings) bringing the spices which they had prepared 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ). They came in order that they might anoint the corpse 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Compare 12:1 8; contrast 19:38 40. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” Who were these women? Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James are mentioned by name in the other Gospels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Mark adds Salome 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Luke adds Joanna, and seems to indicate that there were others 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.55|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.55|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:55) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 24:1). See on 19:25. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 John probably assumes that the readers are acquainted with the other Gospels and confines his story to Mary Magdalene. See Vol. I, pp. 31, 32. However, he implies that other women had accompanied Mary 7 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 do not know ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Although it was still dark when the women started out, the sun had risen when they arrived at the tomb. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.3|AUTODETECT|” As they trudged sorrowfully out of Jerusalem s gate, they were worried about the huge stone 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) which had been placed at the tomb s entrance. For the appearance and location of the tomb see on 19:41, 42. But suddenly they saw probably at a turn in the path that the heavy slab had been turned away already; no, not merely turned away but actually removed 7 1 -1 9 0 0 lifted) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 out of its groove), sothat it was lying flat on the ground! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Nowhere is it stated that this stone had to be removed in order that Jesus might arise from the grave. That the resurrection-body of the Lord was such that he was able to leave the tomb even though the stone was not removed seems to be clearly implied in 20:26; see on that verse. Nevertheless, the stone had to be removed. This was necessary for two reasons: 1. In order to indicate that the grave had been conquered, that the victory had been achieved. 2. In order that Peter and John might be able to enter (see on 20:6, 8), and that everyone might be able to see that the tomb was empty! ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.3|AUTODETECT|” While the mother of James the Less, the mother of James and John, Joanna, and the other women entered the tomb but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.3|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Mary Magdalene started to run away in order to get help in this terrible situation. She was convinced that the tomb had been rifled by enemies. For Mary Magdalene see on 19:25. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 2. So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and she said to them, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.8|AUTODETECT|” It is not at all surprising that Mary, greatly alarmed 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ran to Peter and to John. These two were probably regarded as the chief apostles. They were often seen together (see on 21:7). Nevertheless, although it is grammatically possible that they were lodging at the same address, the more natural interpretation of the original is that each had ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his own) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 home in Jerusalem. See also 19:27 and 20:10. Both would be deeply concerned about Mary s baffling report. John was, moreover, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the disciple whom Jesus loved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the meaning of this expression see on 13:23, 24; for the identity of this apostle see Vol. I, pp. 3 31; and for the verb 7 1 -1 9 0 0 loved;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 here in 20:2 the original employs the less usual verb, as is indicated in the Chart on p. 498) see on 21:15 17, especially footnote 306. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In terrified distress Mary exclaims, They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. For Mary s state of mind see p. 470. The opened tomb was to Mary a reason for alarmed dismay. She thinks, The enemies have been busy again. Having murdered the Lord, they have added to their crimes by rifling the tomb. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not even the body of Jesus is left. It is interesting, nevertheless, that Mary is still calling Jesus the Lord. See on 1:38 and on 12:21. This indicates ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 at least) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that she had learned to regard him as her great Benefactor. This is not surprising; see on 19:25. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 3, 4. Then Peter came out and that other disciple, and they were coming toward the tomb. Now these two came running side by side. But that other disciple started to run ahead, faster than Peter, and arrived at the tomb first.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Peter and John, perplexed by Mary s report, start out at once toward the tomb. At first they are pictured as merely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 walking;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 then as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 running) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 side by side; finally, as still running, but now John is outdistancing Peter and therefore arrives at the tomb first. John in his old age recalls the scene as if it had happened yesterday. That is why the description is so lively. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Two questions are asked. The first is, What caused these two men to change from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 walking) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 running?) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” Was it, perhaps, a message of the women who by this time had left the tomb and had something very startling to say to the apostles? See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5-40.28.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5-40.28.8|AUTODETECT|” 5 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and parallels. We do not know. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The next question is, What caused John to outrun Peter? The answer could be: he has youth in his favor. But again, we do not know. It is useless to speculate. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5. And as he stooped, he noticed the linen bandages lying (there); however, he did not go inside.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Some prefer a different translation here. But the rendering Having glanced he saw, sounds awkward. It may be granted that the verb employed in the original does not always and necessarily mean ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to stoop) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, when it is used in connection with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 saw) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 noticed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), this is surely the most natural meaning. The entrance, as in many similar Oriental tombs today, was probably low. Hence, two actions were necessary: first, one had ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to stoop) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Having stooped, one was able ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to look) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 inside. It is not true that stooping would have made it impossible to see the linen bands in the declivity in which the body of Jesus had been placed. That would have been true only if the place for the body had been very deep. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As John stooped and looked, he saw ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the linen bandages) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See on 19:40; also on 11:44 (where a synonym is used). The significance of these bandages lying there is discussed in connection with verses 6 and 7. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 John did not go inside. He was filled with alarm. Any idea of a resurrection is completely absent from his mind. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 6, 7. Then Simon Peter also came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he observed the linen bandages lying (there), and the sweat-band, which had been around his head, not lying with the linen bandages but folded up in a place by itself.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is entirely in line with Peter s usual conduct that although he has been outdistanced by John, once at the tomb he enters before John does. See on 13:9. What John, from the outside looking in, had merely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 noticed,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Peter, once inside, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 observed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . He naturally saw ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 more) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 than John, and saw ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 more clearly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . And what he saw was truly marvelous. Here were the linen bandages lying very orderly, and the sweat-band, which had been around Christ s head, lying in a place by itself. For the bandages see on 19:40; also on 11:44 (the synonym). For the sweat-band see on 11:44. (In countries where the climate is hot even a handkerchief used by the living is called a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sweat) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 -band.) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Just what did all this mean? It is necessary to stress at this point that not more must be read into the text than is actually there. Ideas such as these, namely, that the headband was lying there as if it had not been removed from the head, and that the bandages were lying there just as if the limbs of Jesus were still enclosed by them, or as if the body had been abstracted from them, are foreign to the text. We do not even know exactly ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 where) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the linen bandages and the sweat-band were lying. Neither John nor Luke (in his Gospel, 24:12) says anything about such matters. What Luke emphasizes is that the bandages were lying there ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 by themselves,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 which, again, does not mean that they were being held in position mysteriously and in violation of the laws of gravity; but simply indicates that they were lying there ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 without the body) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The facts which are actually related are wonderful enough without exegetical (?) embellishments. What they indicate is this: everything was orderly in the tomb. The body of the Lord was no longer there. No disciple had been there to remove it, nor had any enemy visited the tomb in order to pillage it. In either case the bandages would no longer have been present. Could it be that the Lord had himself removed the bandages and the sweat-band, had provided for himself a garment such as is worn by the living, had calmly and majestically put everything in its place in the tomb, putting the bandages ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 here) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and the sweat-band ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 there) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (neatly folded or rolled up in a place by itself), and had then departed from the tomb, gloriously alive? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is not stated in so many words that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Peter) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 immediately drew this conclusion, namely, that Jesus was risen from the grave. It would seem, nevertheless, that he did soon reach this level of faith. He reached it a little later than John, perhaps after the two had discussed the matter together. See verse 9. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 8, 9. So then the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went inside, and he saw and believed; for they had not previously understood the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 John now also enters the tomb. For a description of the tomb see on 19:41, 42. He saw and believed. What did he see? Exactly what Peter had seen. What did he believe? That Jesus was actually risen from the dead, and was the real Messiah, the Lord of Glory, the Son of God in the most exalted sense. This is nothing less than living faith in the act of embracing the truth of the resurrection. ) At this point some commentators seem to think that the purpose of the text is to emphasize the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weakness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the apostles faith, as if the meaning were on this order: the faith of these men was but a step removed from unbelief, for they needed ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to see) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 before they were willing to believe. However, that is probably not the sense of the words. What is meant is this: they ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 saw and believed. They ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 saw) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the things which the Lord had arranged in such a manner as to arouse and strengthen faith. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Scripture) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 also began to take on a new meaning now. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Previously) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” such beautiful passages as ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22-19.118.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22-19.118.24|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.11|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.11|AUTODETECT|” Is. 53:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 passages which referred to Christ s resurrection had meant very little to them. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 these same passages were beginning to assume significance! They now understood that Christ s glorious resurrection was a divine ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 must) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.26|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . On and after Pentecost all this would become even clearer. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 10. Then the disciples went back again to their homes.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The climax has been reached. In the heart of John there is rejoicing, and this Isaiah 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is soon to be) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ) true also with respect to Peter, as he himself testifies 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Pet. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So each goes to his respective lodging-place. At the home of John there is someone who must have been overjoyed to hear the story. That someone was the apostle s aunt, namely, Mary, the mother of Jesus. See on 19:27; then on 19:25. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 20:11 18 ) 11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping. Then as she was weeping, she stooped to look into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels sitting (there) in white garments, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. 14 On saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing (there), but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping, for whom are you looking? Thinking that he was the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will remove him. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 280) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 16 Jesus said to her, Miriam. She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni . 17 Jesus said to her, Do not keep clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, and (she told them) that he had said these things to her ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20:11, 12. But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping. Then as she was weeping, she stooped to look into the tomb and she saw two angels sitting (there) in white garments, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The story now returns to Mary Magdalene. See on 19:25 and on 20:1, 2. It is reasonable to suppose that she was a little slower in arriving at the tomb than were Peter and John. There are those who think that on her way back to Joseph s garden Mary met the two apostles, who related to her what they had seen in the tomb; and that, as a result, Mary s fear that robbers had stolen the body of Jesus vanished, sothat she now imagined that friendly hands had removed it. However, if such a meeting took place, we would be forced to conclude that the thrilling conviction, which had been instilled in the hearts of Peter and John as a result of what they had seen, had made little impression on Mary. This, of course, is possible. Nevertheless, since nothing in the record suggests a conversation between the apostles, on the one had, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 after) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 they had been in the tomb, and Mary, on the other hand, it is better to abandon this theory entirely. It is probably safe to state that Mary returned to the tomb all alone, and that on the way she did not stop to engage in conversation with anyone. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 So Mary was standing outside the tomb ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 weeping) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the meaning of this verb see on 11:31, 32 (and compare with the verb used in 11:35; see also on that verse). Her poignant grief expressed itself in constant, unrestrained sobbing. While she was giving vent to her bitter sorrow, she stooped to peer into the tomb (see on verse 5). She saw two angels sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.5|AUTODETECT|” It must be deemed probable that these two angels appeared in the form of young me 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Their white garments indicated holiness (perhaps also joy and victory). They symbolized the triumph of life over death, of light over darkness, of grace over sin. For the general appearance of the tomb and the place where the angels sat see on 19:41, 42. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5-40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” But why did these angels appear to the women and not to Peter and John? Was it because the faith of the women was so much weaker than that of the men that it was in need of the extra support of the ministry of angels? This answer has been suggested, but we find nothing in the record to prove it. One might, in fact, go in the opposite direction and say that the appearance of these angels and the message which they brought 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5-40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:5 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ; then, to Mary, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.13|AUTODETECT|” John 20:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) was a special reward for the singular ministry of love in which these women, including Mary, had been engaged. But the best answer is the simple admission that we do not know why the angels appeared to the women (in the present instance, to Mary) and not to the men. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Heaven takes a vital interest in Christ s resurrection. The ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 absence) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of angels would have been surprising. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 13. And they said to her, Woman, why are you weeping?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Implied in the question which the angels ask is a message: This is the time for joy, not for weeping. May we not add that the question is a tenderly-phrased expression of disapproval, as if the angels meant to say, Has the Lord s teaching with respect to his approaching death and resurrection been entirely in vain? Mary, are you not ashamed of your unbelief? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 But so completely has sorrow and grief captured the soul of Mary that she is not frightened, no, not even startled by these angels or by their question. She seems to be even more at ease in their presence than, for example, in a recent book��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 281) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Jacobus is in the presence of Gabriel. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In the tempest-tossed mind of Mary there is room for only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 thought which she expresses by answering, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 One might also render this, My Lord has been taken away, etc. Note: Mary still speaks of Jesus as her ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see on 20:2). Oh, if she only knew where the body was, she could carry out the purpose for which she had come to the tomb. Besides, just to be near him even if it means no more than being near his dead body will give a measure of satisfaction. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 14. On saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing (there), but she did not know that it was Jesus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Mary has been peering into the tomb (20:11, 12). Now she turns around and looks in the opposite direction. Why? Here again there is room for theorizing. A few samples are: a. because Jesus had suddenly made his appearance, and the angels who saw him from their position in the tomb bowed in adoration, causing Mary to turn around in order to see why the angels did this; b. because the angels, beholding Jesus, pointed to him, hinting that Mary should look away from the tomb; c. because Mary heard someone approaching; d. because the angels suddenly vanished out of sight; etc. It has not pleased the Lord to answer. The one important fact is that Mary is now facing a person whom she does not recognize. See on the next verse: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 15. Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping, for whom are you looking?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Again Mary hears ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the same question) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as was asked her a moment ago: Woman, why are you weeping? See on verse 13. Notice a very similar correspondence between the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the angel) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5|AUTODETECT|” to the women 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and the words which they heard from the lips of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the Lord himself) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.10|AUTODETECT|” a little later 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the perfect kingdom there is perfect harmony. The angels say what their Lord says. And the question was most timely and appropriate, for surely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 this) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was not the proper time for weeping! The Stranger adds, For whom are you looking? Notice ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 whom,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 what) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Although in her reply to the angels Mary had spoken about her ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 she had not been looking for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 him) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but for his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 corpse) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . She had been looking for some) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 thing,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not for some) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . When the One who addresses Mary now asks, For ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 whom) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are you looking, he is beginning to turn her thoughts in another and better direction. She must begin to look for a person, not a thing. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Thinking that he was the gardener she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will remove him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Why did Mary think that this person who addressed her was the man who took care of Joseph s garden? We answer: ) 1. Because, due to her unbelief, she was not looking for the resurrected Savior. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.12|AUTODETECT|” 2. Perhaps, because Jesus looked different than before 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.3|AUTODETECT|” 9:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Yet, the fact that she took him to be the gardener proves that he had the common human form. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 3. Because in the garden she expected to see a gardener or care-taker. ) To this supposed gardener Mary says, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will remove him. ) Sir is here the correct translation of the original; not Lord. See Vol. I, p. 103, footnote 44. Mary now asks this person a favor: if he, for reasons of his own, has transferred the corpse, will he please tell Mary where he has laid it, sothat she may have it removed to some convenient place where she can bestow further care upon it? It is true that Mary actually says, him, not it, but it is clear that she is thinking of Christ s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 body) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In connection with funerals similar language (personal instead of impersonal) is used even today. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 16 probably implies that having said this, Mary, despairing perhaps of a satisfactory reply, turned around, sothat she was again looking toward the open tomb. This, after all, in a despondent woman, would not be strange. This interpretation of what happened is probably better than to assign a rather unusual meaning to the participle �� 7 1 -1 9 0 0 having leaned forward) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) as used in that verse. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 16. Jesus said to her, Miriam.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 With infinite tenderness and warmth, in a tone which resembled that of former days, Jesus now addresses Mary by using just ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 word, Miriam. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 282) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The original Aramaic name by which her parents and friends must have addressed her many a time, the name which Jesus had always used in speaking to her, is employed also in this instance. Jesus addresses her by her native name, in her native tongue! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni (which means Teacher).) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 When Mary hears this word her own name in her own language spoken in that familiar way as only One person could ever pronounce it, she quickly turns away from the tomb and toward the speaker (see on verse 15) and with a word of dramatic surprise, glad recognition, and humble reverence exclaims, Rabboni. Though this word 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my master) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my teacher)) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 meaning) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 which closely approaches (and may even be identical with) that of Rabbi, and is so translated by John for the benefit of his non-Aramaic speaking readers in Asia Minor, in actual ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 usage) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it was far less common than Rabbi. For the use of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Rabbi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see Vol. I, p. 103, footnote 44. The title ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Rabboni) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was given to only a few rabbis, for example, to Gamaliel I and Gamaliel II. It was often used with reference to God. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 17. Jesus said to her, Do not keep clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.9|AUTODETECT|” What Jesus probably means is this: Do not think, Mary, that by grasping hold of me so firmly 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), you can keep me always with you. That uninterruptible fellowship for which you yearn must wait until I have ascended to be forever with the Father. Jesus did not object to being ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 touched) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Otherwise, how can we explain his word to Thomas? See on 20:27. What he condemned was Mary s mistaken notion that the former mode of fellowship was going to be resumed, in other words, that Jesus would once again live in daily visible association with his disciples, both men and women. The fellowship, to be sure, would be resumed; but it would be far richer and more blessed. It would be the communion of the ascended Lord in the Spirit with his Church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 283) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 But go to my brothers and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Both Mary Magdalene and the other women receive a message to be conveyed to the eleven. But while the other women must tell the men ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 what has happened) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 where Jesus will meet them) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Mary must announce to them what great even in the history of redemption is about to take place ( I ascend to my Father, etc.). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.23|AUTODETECT|” Jesus now calls his disciples by a new name: brothers. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.23|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 22:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.122.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.122.8|AUTODETECT|” 122:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A new relationship) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 fellowship in the Spirit, about to be poured out requires ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a new name,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a name even more intimate than the very beautiful name friends. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” belong to one and the same family. They possess much in common. They share in the same inheritance. Thus every true believer is a joint-heir with Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus, also, in the spiritual sense, God is not the Father of all men but only of those who, having been chosen from eternity, have embraced the Son by a living faith. These these ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 all,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 these ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 alone) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are Christ s brothers. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 When we reflect on the fact that just a few days previously all these men had left him and fled, it is all the more striking that Jesus, in tender mercy, is willing to call them his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What Mary must say to them as Christ s message for them is this, I ascend 7 1 -1 9 0 0 about) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to happen; it is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 certain) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to happen; hence present tense) to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God. Jesus makes a distinction here, and at the same time emphasizes the closeness of fellowship between himself, his Father, and the disciples. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The distinction) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is clearly evident from this, that he does not say, I am ascending to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Father. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 His) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 sonship differs from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 theirs;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 hence, he says, to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Father and to your Father. See on 1:14 for this distinction. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 He) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is Son by nature; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 they) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are sons by adoption. Hence, also and to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 God and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 your) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 God. Nevertheless, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the closeness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of fellowship is also stressed: the same God who is the Father of Jesus is also the Father of the disciples! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is to this God and Father that Jesus is ascending. That is the message which must be transmitted to the disciples. It is at the same time the lesson which Mary needs to learn. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 18. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, and (she told them) that he had said these things to her.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Where the Lord went after appearing to Mary has not been recorded. Moreover, it is even a question whether, had it been recorded, we would have been able to grasp it, for it must be borne in mind that the period of his day-by-day visible association with his disciples is over. He simply ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 appears,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 now to this one, then to that one; and we must not ask, Where was he in the time which intervened between any two appearances? We know very little about the character of the resurrection-body and about its coming and going. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With Mary the case is different. We learn that she did as she had been told. Mary must have been a deeply emotional woman. In a way, she reminds us of Peter. One moment you see her weeping profusely. Her whole heart is in these tears, so much so that even the presence of angels hardly registers. But the next moment the moment of joyful recognition, when the resurrected Lord pronounced her name all has changed. Rabboni, she exclaims; and, arrived in the company of the disciples, she can hardly wait to shout, I have seen the Lord. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 see on 20:2, 13). No longer was she thinking about a corpse now. No, this was the living Lord, gloriously risen from the grave! Mary conveyed her message, word for word, exactly as the Lord had told her to do. And these ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 words) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 must have been like apples of gold in a framework of silver. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 20:19 23 ) 19 Now when it was evening on that day, the first of the week, and out of fear for the Jews the doors were locked where the disciples were, there came Jesus, and he stood in their midst and said to them, Peace to you. 20 And on saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced over seeing their Lord. ) 21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. Just as the Father commissioned me, so I am sending you. 22 And on saying this, he blew and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 284) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� if you retain (those) of any, they are retained. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 285) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20:19. Now when it was evening on that day, the first of the week, and out of fear for the Jews the doors were locked where the disciples were, there came Jesus, and he stood in their midst and said to them, Peace to you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Note the stress that is laid on the specific day when Jesus appeared to the disciples with the exception of Thomas. John might have written, Now when it was the evening of the first day. But he is far more definite. It is clear that he wants to emphasize that this was none other than the first day of the week. So he begins by saying, Now when it was evening of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 day. That already marks the day as the first day, in the light of the context (20:1). But he is not satisfied with this. So he continues, that day, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the first of the week. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” The New Testament everywhere singles out the day of Christ s resurrection as chief among the days of the week. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.2|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.1|AUTODETECT|” John 20:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.29|AUTODETECT|” For the meaning of the first of the week see on 20:1. It was evening. In the light of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 we have a right to conclude that it was no longer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 early) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in the evening when the great event recorded in the present paragraph took place. As the Jews compute the days it was no longer the first day of the week. But John, though a Jew, is writing much later than Matthew and Mark, and does not seem to concern himself with Jewish time-reckoning. See on 1:39. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Out of fear for the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for fear of the Jews) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the disciples had locked the doors. For this fear inspired by the Jewish authorities (we think especially of the Sanhedrin) see on 7:13; 9:22; 14:27; 19:38. The rulers had brought about the death of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.12|AUTODETECT|” . Were the apostles going to be next on the program of destruction? The exact place where the disciples gathered is not indicated. See, however, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It is not difficult to understand what had brought them together. There had been so many strange happenings and marvelous experiences that day that a meeting was in order. Jesus had already appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the women, to Cleopas and his companion, and to Peter. See on 21:1. Peter and John and also the women had been inside the tomb. What they had seen was just too wonderful for words. Indeed, it is not surprising that the disciples found each other s company this Sunday-evening. ) Of a sudden, there came Jesus, and he stood in their midst! But how was that possible, with the doors locked? 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doors) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 plural refers, perhaps, to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the gate of the house and the door of the room) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in which they were; but may also indicate the two folding doors which formed the gate.) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 To the question how this sudden appearance of Jesus was possible all kinds of answers have been given. Some of these answers must be rejected immediately; for example, Jesus had been hiding in the room; he sneaked in with the men of Emmaus; he entered through the (Oriental substitute for our) window; he descended from the roof; etc. Those who believe that the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 human) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 nature of Christ was now in possession of the qualities of the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 divine) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 nature answer that this human nature had now become omnipresent.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 286) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� We have high respect for the faith and the scholarship of those who are inclined to accept this last view. Along with us they worship Jesus as the Son of God, and along with us they accept his Word as being infallible. In the battle against liberalism of every description they put many to shame. Nevertheless, we cannot accept this solution. We believe that neither in the state of humiliation nor in that of exaltation are the two natures ever confused or blended, sothat one partakes of the qualities of the other. We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is to be acknowledged in two natures ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 inconfusedly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 unchangeably,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as well as indivisibly and inseparably (Symbol of Chalcedon). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Moreover, we believe that the words There ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 came) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus are best interpreted literally. He not only suddenly ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 stood) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in their midst, but he actually ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 came) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and stood! Had his human nature been omnipresent, he would not have to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 come) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.42-46.15.44|AUTODETECT|” (unless this coming be taken in a metaphorical sense). To the question, But how was it possible for Jesus, who was not a mere phantom but had a real body (though a resurrection-body) to come and stand, when the doors were locked? Scripture gives no answer. Some day we ll understand. Stating it differently, one might also say, The resurrection-body has different qualities than the pre-resurrection body 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.42-46.15.44|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:42 44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But that is not really answering the question. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus speaks peace to the surprised disciples. He said, Peace to you. For explanation see on 14:27; 16:33; 20:21, 26. He said it now as the One who has actually merited this peace for them. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20. And on saying this, he showed them his hands and his side.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 Much, very much, is implied in this statement: ) 1. The person standing in the midst of the little circle is really Jesus. He is not someone else. The marks in his hands (where the nails have been) and the wound in his side identify him. ) 2. This person has a real body. He has hands. He shows his side (probably the left side). He is not a phantom. Let all docetics take note. In John s day there were many. ) 3. It was not only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the spirit) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Christ that had arisen from the grave as the liberals teach but ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the body) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 also! This was really a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 bodily) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 resurrection. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 4. The peace pronounced on the disciples ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pronounced) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not only but actually ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 given) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was real; it had been bought at such a price! Let the disciples look at his hands and at his side. Then let them meditate and adore. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 The disciples therefore rejoiced over seeing their Lord.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36-42.24.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke supplies the best commentary on this passage in John. Not immediately did the disciples rejoice. First, when they saw him standing there so suddenly, they were frightened. They thought that they were looking at a spirit or ghost. Then Jesus, in tender love, said, Why are you troubled? And why do questionings arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see me having. They rejoiced. Nevertheless, they still disbelieved for joy. Jesus then said, Do you have anything to eat here? They gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it and ate in their presence. Jesus then repeated words which he had formerly spoken. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.36-42.24.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:36 49) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . When they finally believed without doubting any longer, it was because they could not do anything else. Note that according to John here in 20:20 and bear in mind that John was there when it happened! the disciples at last saw in Jesus their exalted ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the term see on 1:38; 12:21; cf. also 20:2, 13, 18. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 21. Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. Just as the Father commissioned me, so I am sending you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 To all those present (the ten, the men from Emmaus, and others) Jesus repeats, Peace to you. For the meaning see on 20:19. It is not strange that he repeated this word. His sudden appearance had caused instant alarm. Even though that fear had been largely allayed, and rejoicing had taken its place, the gracious words, bestowing peace on those present, could stand repetition. ) By adding, Just as the Father, etc., Jesus says in substance what he had said before. Hence, see on 17:18 for the explanation. There is, however, one important difference. In the former passage these words were addressed to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the Father) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 thou) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 didst send me into the world, so have I also sent them into the world ); now they are addressed to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the disciples) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 themselves (with a change of verb, which is, however, not very important): Just as the Father commissioned 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sent) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) me, so I am sending you. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” From the fact that there were others in the room besides the ten 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the ten had some welcome visitors who were ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 with them) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) some have concluded that there is nothing ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 official) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 about this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sending) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . But though the words were meant for the entire Church, is it not true that the task of proclaiming the Gospel to the world is, nevertheless, carried out chiefly by means of those who were specially chosen? ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Through them the entire Church brings God s message to the world.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Needless to say, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 every believer) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 also has an important duty, namely, the duty of bearing witness joyfully and incessantly. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 That Jesus has the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ten) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 eleven) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) in mind follows also from the very similar or parallel passage in 17:18, 20. Note: Just as thou didst send me into the world, so have I also sent them into the world & Neither concerning these only do I make request, but concerning those also who believe in me through their word. One might paraphrase this: Just as thou didst send me into the world, so have I also sent ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 these eleven men) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 into the world & Neither concerning ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 these eleven men) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 only do I make request, but concerning those also who believe in me through their word. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The analogy between the sending of the Son as Mediator and the sending of the apostles has been explained in connection with 17:18. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The commissioning authority) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is the same; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the message) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is the same (nevertheless, there is this difference: Jesus through his atonement makes the message possible; the apostles simply proclaim it!); and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the men to whom it is proclaimed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are the same. Hence, just as & so. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 22, 23. And having said this, he blew, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain (those) of any, they are retained.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Having reminded his disciples of the fact that his resurrection in no sense relieved them of their divinely ordained task, Jesus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 blew) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The best text does not read, He blew ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 upon them,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but simply He blew. This blowing (cf. on 3:8) had symbolic significance. It symbolized a particular gift of the Holy Spirit. In a sense, that gift is given to the entire Church. Nevertheless see also on verse 21 it is to be exercised by the officers, by them alone, by them corporately. This particular gift which is here indicated is that of forgiving or retaining sins, which in this connection must mean, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 declaring) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that someone s sins are either forgiven or retained (unforgiven). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 That the apostles cannot act independently, that is, apart from the Spirit who speaks in the Word, is already evident from the fact that the gift is linked with the Spirit! Receive the Holy Spirit & If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven, etc. Absolutions pronounced arbitrarily have no standing in heaven. Only then has the Church, acting through its officers, the right to declare sins forgiven or retained when it acts in harmony with the Spirit-inspired Word. ) But when its actions are in conformity with the Word (which demands that discipline be exercised in the spirit of love), then this power is very real, and has reference to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 anyone) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (whoever he may be) whose sins are declared to be either forgiven or retained. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 But since the Church can only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 declare) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that which God ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 has already done) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), we read, If you forgive the sins of any, they ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have been) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 are) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) forgiven them; if you retain (those) of any, they ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have been) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 are) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) retained. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 287) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” This passage certainly suggests ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is clear that the Matthew passages refer to the authority which the Church exercises by means of the apostolic office. It would, therefore, seem logical that here in John 20:33 the meaning is the same. But by many writers any notion of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 office) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is being rejected vigorously.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” 288) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Office) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 implies a divinely appointed task with authority (given to certain men and not to others) to carry it out. This authority has reference to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 life) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 doctrine) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” . That it was established by Christ and exercised by the apostles is clear from such passages as ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 key) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3|AUTODETECT|” to open and to close imply authority? and does not binding and loosening whatever be its meaning do the same?) 18:18; 28:18; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” . That this authority was through their meditation laid upon ministers and elders sothat these also have an office and are clothed with authority is clear from the following: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.28|AUTODETECT|” 20:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.18|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.1|AUTODETECT|” 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.14|AUTODETECT|” 4:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.17|AUTODETECT|” 5:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.1|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.5-56.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.5-56.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Tit. 1:5 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 3:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” This authority which according to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.12|AUTODETECT|” implies the right of expelling from the Church and of restoring the sinner to its fellowship must ever be exercised in the spirit of love. It has as its purpose the perfecting of the saints, the work of ministering, the building up of the body of Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ); and its ultimate goal may be expressed in these beautiful words: until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a fullgrown man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The apostles who were gathered in this room on this glorious Easter day needed this comfort. In themselves they were weak and sinful. This had been demonstrated again and again, also during the last few days. Did they still have the right to call themselves ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 apostles,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ s official representatives, chosen to bring his message to the children of men and to exercise authority in the company of believers? The risen Savior speaks this word of encouragement. Without authority, chaos reigns supreme! ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 20:24 31 ) 24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, We have seen the Lord. He, however, said to them, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hands into his side, I definitely will not believe. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” 289) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 26 And eight days later his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, though the doors had been locked, and he stood in the midst and said, Peace to you. 27 Then he said to Thomas, Bring here your finger, and see my hands; and bring your hand, and put it into my side; and no longer be unbelieving but believing. 28 Thomas answered and said to him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus said to him, Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are they who, though not seeing, are yet believing. ) 30 Now Jesus, to be sure��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 290) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� in the presence of the disciples also performed many other signs, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written in order that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and in order that believing you may continue to have life in his name. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 20:24, 25. But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, We have seen the Lord. He, however, said to them, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I definitely will not believe.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 For Thomas, his name, and his character see on 11:16; 14:5. There had been a meeting of the Twelve. Actually only ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ten) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 had been present (plus some welcome visitors), but the little company is still technically called the Twelve, just as among us when fifteen of the seventeen consistory-members are present, we still speak of those who are present as the consistory. Moreover, Thomas was one of the twelve apostles as originally chosen. He should have been there. By not being present he had missed the joy of seeing the risen Lord, and of hearing him speak words of peace. Indeed, he had missed the peace itself. It is evident from verse 25 that he had no peace. He was wretched, nervous, restless. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 But the other disciples took pity on him. Besides, when the heart is full, the mouth will speak. So the other disciples the ten (and probably also the two from Emmaus and others who had been present) kept saying to him, We have seen the Lord. See on 20:18. Although the immediate reference here is to the apostles who had been present in the room on Easter-evening, it is entirely probable that also others (who may or may not have been present), for example, Mary Magdalene and the other women, kept on giving gladsome testimony of that which they had seen. There had been several appearances before Easter evening. See on 21:1. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Thomas, however, remained stubborn. He was a very devoted disciple. He was also very despondent. Hence, for him the universe collapsed when Jesus was crucified. He was of all men most pitiable 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 When the others continued to din their wonderful story into his ears, he finally protested, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, I definitely will not believe, that is, I definitely will not believe that Jesus is the risen Lord. ) Thomas is willing to believe & that is, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 on certain conditions!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 And he himself will lay down these conditions. The mysterious person about whom the others have been saying so much must measure up to certain standards which Thomas will establish; he must submit to certain tests which Thomas will apply. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hearing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 about him, (even from those who have both seen and heard him) is not enough. Thomas has heard too much already. Thomas wants ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to see) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . He also wants ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to feel!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 He wants to see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the mark) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the nails, and he wants to put his finger into ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the place) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the nails. In the original there is an interesting alliteration here: the words for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 mark) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 place) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are almost identical (�� and ��), somewhat like our ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 imprint) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 impress) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Thomas will not be satisfied if he merely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sees) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the marks which the nails have left on the surface of the hands of the One who had been crucified; no, he must also actually run his finger into the nail-holes! And even that will not be sufficient. Thomas must be permitted to put his hand into the horrible gash left by the spear. Now, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 if) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the mysterious character about whom Thomas has heard so much will satisfy all these demands, then & and not until then & Thomas will believe; but ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 if not,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he will ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 definitely not) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (�P ��) believe. For discussion of nails and spear-thrust see on 19:23, 24. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 26, 27, 28. And eight days later his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, though the doors had been locked, and he stood in the midst and said, Peace to you. Then he said to Thomas, Bring here your finger, and see my hands; and bring your hand, and put it into my side; and no longer be unbelieving but believing. Thomas answered and said to him, My Lord and my God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 For the expression eight days later see also on 12:1. Employing the inclusive method of time-computation the method according to which, for example, Tuesday would be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 three) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 days later than Sunday John states that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 eight days later) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the event of the preceding Sunday-evening was repeated. The time and the place were, in all probability, the same. Did the Lord wait until Sunday-evening in order to encourage his disciples to observe ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 day and not some other day as the day of rest and worship? That would seem probable. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 This time Thomas is present. It is probably correct to say that his presence at this occasion was the result of the work of witnessing in which the others had been engaged. Of course, this is not certain. It is also possible that Thomas rejoined the group for the simple reason that he had no other friends, no other place to go. ) The rest of verse 26 is almost a word-for-word repetition of verse 19. See on that verse. Again, though the doors are locked, Jesus suddenly appears.

He comes. He stands in the midst of the group. He speaks peace to (and bestows peace upon) them. Then he addresses Thomas. In the spirit of gentle condescension to the conditions laid down by Thomas, Jesus admonishes his erring disciple. In order to see how precisely and fully the demands of Thomas are met, we must place the words of Thomas and those of Jesus next to each other.

Notice: ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

The Visit of Peter and John to the Tomb ) When Mary Magdalene, greatly alarmed because the stone had been removed from the tomb s entrance, rushed to Peter and to John for help, these men responded immediately. In order to get the real picture of Peter and John s walking and then running to the tomb, one should study Burnand s famous painting. Artists so often disregard the data of Scripture, but here is a picture which, as far as I can judge, is faithful to Scripture in every respect. Note how in this picture (the original is in the Luxembourg Museum, Paris) the illusion of motion is produced by John s hair rippling backward, the forward bending of the body, Peter s long locks flaring in the wind, etc. It is evident that the other disciple is even now beginning to outrun Peter. ) Though John arrived first, Peter first entered the tomb.

Then entered John also. The orderly arrangement of everything within the tomb, the absence of the body, the recalling of Old Testament passages which they now saw in a new light, caused these men (first John, then Peter also) to believe that Jesus was actually risen. ) II. The Appearance to Mary Magdalene. ) Mary s weeping, her distraught behavior even in the presence of angels (so great was her grief), her conversation with the angels, and finally her conversation with the person whom she considered to be the care-taker, are described very vividly. One word Miriam pronounced in the most familiar and tenderly loving manner, changed everything for Mary. She replied, Rabboni. Jesus then gave her a lesson in the manner in which continued fellowship with him could be attained.

She reported her experience to the disciples. ) III. The Appearance to the Disciples Except Thomas. ) This sudden appearance of Jesus when the doors were closed cannot be explained in such a manner that human minds will be able to grasp it. Not only did the Lord prove his resurrection (even showing the disciples his side and his hands), but he also gave them a much-needed blessing, that of peace, a peace obtained by means of the cross. He further comforted them by informing them that their task, as his official representatives, would continue. Though they had all left him and fled, he still considers them to be his apostles with authority to rule the Church. ) IV. The Appearance to the Disciples, Thomas Being Also Present. ) The beauty of this story becomes evident especially in this particular, that Jesus meets all of the demands of his erring (but devoted) disciple.

Thomas is permitted 7 1 -1 9 0 0 commanded) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 even!) to see and to feel the wounds in the body of Christ. The loving treatment which Thomas received evoked from his lips the glorious exclamation (a confession which would have been even more glorious had Thomas not laid down his conditions), My Lord and my God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With this the Gospel has returned to its starting point, namely, the deity of Christ (see on 1:1). Hence, here (with the exception of a Supplement, chapter 21) it closes. Its purpose is stated in verses 30, 31 (see the exegesis). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Reflection on Christ s Resurrection) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 10 1 3 8 0 0 Darkness at Noontime) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 A darkness that smothered sun and moon. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A darker day there never was.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus of Nazareth is hanging on the cross between two thieves. Hear his cry: ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 It is finished & Father into thy hands I commend my spirit. ) Out, out are the lights, out all! Just take a look at the little band of followers. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Eleven) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” Their Master & gone. Their friend and what a Friend! departed. Their plans wrecked. Their hopes shattered. They are perplexed, baffled. They despair. Like men whose none too sturdy vessel is frozen solid in the Arctic ice-pack, with ice, ice, ice, cold bleak, barren stretching in every direction for hundreds of miles. Ice, screeching, roaring, grinding. Will they ever see their dear ones again? Abandon hope, all ye who enter here! Or to change the figure they resemble individuals who have been condemned to die and are pining away in some gloomy, dreadful prison-hole, knowing that the best they can expect is the arrival of the executioner. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” John 20:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , their doors were shut for fear of the Jews. Jesus of Nazareth & Crucified & that was the Farewell to Hope! ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Am I exaggerating? Was there not so much as a ray of hope shining through the clouds of gloom and despair? A half-conscious expectation that somehow light would arise out of darkness, that the night would make room for the dawn, that & perhaps & the Master might even & rise again? Read the account for yourself: ) And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 disbelieved. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.11|AUTODETECT|” ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 And they went away and told it unto the rest. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Neither believed they them. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.13|AUTODETECT|” ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 And the & women & told these things unto the apostles. And these words appeared in their sight as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 idle talk;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and they ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 disbelieved) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” them. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 And he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 believed not) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.14|AUTODETECT|” them which had seen him after he was risen. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.14|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The other disciples therefore said unto him (Thomas), 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 put my hand into his side, I will not believe. ) Not one of the Eleven expected Jesus to arise from the grave. That thought was farthest removed from their minds. Jesus was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 dead) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . He was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 gone!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 These happy days of close fellowship and intimate association with the Great Prophet of Nazareth would never return. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Cleopas and His Companion) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 These two friends of Jesus are returning to Emmaus. It is Spring-time. Yet they hear not the singing of birds. They see not the awakening of Nature. With lagging feet, under leaden skies they continue on their way home & home from a funeral! A dear one has been buried. Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, stranger, we hoped that he was the One who would redeem Israel. We hoped past tense but now all hope is gone. The Cross and the Grave have blasted every last remnant of hope. Eternal despair reigns supreme in our hearts. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Mary, the Mother of the Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.35|AUTODETECT|” She, too, was in the grip of cold winter. A sword was piercing through her own soul, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , as she saw her own son, her first-born, dying the death of a condemned criminal. A feeling of overwhelming sadness takes possession of me whenever I read the lines of that ancient hymn, describing Mary s tears: ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Stabat mater dolorosa ) juxta crucem lacrimosa & ) For her, too, the Cross was the Farewell to Hope. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Women) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 7 3 8 0 0 See these women trudging sorrowfully through the streets of Jerusalem very early, Sunday morning. While the Eleven are in deep mourning and despair, Thomas resembling a man who is caught in the midst of an earthquake, the very ground under his feet caving in; Peter overwhelmed with remorse; John tenderly caring for the woman with the tempest-tossed soul (Mary); while night has settled upon these Eleven men, what are these women going to do? Is it their design to welcome the Risen Lord? Not in the least. The cross has blasted their hopes. The grave has buried them forever.

They come & to anoint a dead body, the corpse of Jesus of Nazareth, their Friend and Helper. ) Never was there a more dejected, disappointed, crushed group of men and women! Their own experience is, perhaps, best described in that well-known poem: ) Now he is dead, far hence he lies ) In that lorn Syrian town; ) And on his grave with shining eyes ) The Syrian stars look down. ) When the Master died, the disciples, too, died. Their hopes, their aspirations, their deepest affections and fondest anticipations were buried with their Lord. If ever hope was to be revived in their hearts, their souls would have to be rescued from the grip of death. There would have to be a new beginning & and that & by all the laws of human logic & was impossible! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And then & the Glorious Easter Message) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 A new beginning! Light in the darkness! Life conquering death! The Lord is risen indeed! Here all changes. The Cross, the very instrument of despair, becomes an object of glory.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the source of a living hope. Listen to the message of exuberant joy, praise, and thanksgiving. Hear it from the lips of one who experienced the deepest darkness of despair and remorse. Says Peter: ) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. ) Begat us again unto a living hope. Now Peter can smile again. We can all be happy once more.

A living hope, living, real, a desire plus expectation plus conviction that our lives here are not in vain. A hope not based upon legend or fancy but upon the immovable Rock of Christ s resurrection from the grave. The apostles proclaim the resurrection because they cannot do anything else. The proof was too clear! ) He ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 lives) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Hence, life is worth living. Hence, all things work together for good to them that love God. Hence, we too shall live. Hence, the curse is going to be removed from the universe and we expect a new heaven and a new earth. All the darkness is dispelled. Hope lives again. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 A stream of light descends from veiled skies: an angel mighty and terrible arrives. His appearance is as lightning and his garments white as snow. And the angel says: ) Fear not ye. I know that ye seek Jesus, the crucified. He is not here. He is risen as he told you. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 He is risen & and hope is revived.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 279 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It makes little difference whether one conceives of the Greek plural for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sabbath) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as referring to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the day) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or to an entire ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 week) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (the time from one day of rest to another). If the first is meant, then the idea is that this was the first day counting from the sabbath-day; hence, the first day after the sabbath-day. If the second is meant, the result is still the same: the day indicated is then not the last of the week but the first. In either case Sunday is meant. The plural noun used in the original may mean either ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 sabbath-day) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 week) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 280 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I D; see Vol. I, pp. 40, 41. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 281 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Arjen Miedema, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Talks With Gabriel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (translated from the Dutch by Henry Zylstra), Grand Rapids, Mich., 1950. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 282 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The Aramaic form is better attested than is the Greek here in 20:16. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 283 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 This rather common interpretation which is found in several of the commentaries is better, it seems to me, than the one according to which Jesus is telling Mary, Do not stop me, for I m in a hurry; I am on my way to heaven. Somewhat related ideas, for example, that John means to convey the thought that Jesus ascended that very day, or that only one week intervened between resurrection and ascension, hardly deserve discussion. John s Gospel clearly teaches three subsequent appearances; one that very evening (20:19 23); another, a week later (20:24 29); and a third after these things, how long afterward we are not told (chapter 21). On the entire subject of Christ s ascension see also C. Stam, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 De Hemelvaart Des Heren) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (doctoral dissertation submitted to the Free University at Amsterdam), Kampen, 1950. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 284 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 IIIA3; see Vol. I, pp. 42, 43. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 285 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 IIIB3; see Vol. I, p. 44. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 286 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 So, for example, R. C. H. Lenski, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 1340. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 287 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Much has been written, especially during the last few years, concerning the exact meaning of the perfect tense in the case of both of these verbs which appear in the apodoses; for example, W. T. Dayton, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” Greek Perfect Tense in Relation to ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” , and ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” (unpublished Th.D. dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Chicago, Ill. 1945); R. A. Baker, The Forgiveness of Sin: An Interpretation of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Review and Expositor) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 41 (1944), 224 235; see also H. J. Cadbury s article on this subject in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 JBL) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 58 (Sept., 1939). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 288) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 We read such statements as the following: The rise of ecclesiastical law and the constitution of the Church is an apostasy from the conditions intended by Jesus himself and originally realized 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Constitution and Law of the Church) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1910, p. 5); There is no trace in Scripture of a formal commission of authority for government from Christ himself 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Christian Ecclesia) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1897, p. 84); The apostolate was founded by Jesus himself, not as an ecclesiastical office, but as a preaching ministry 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Apostolic Age of the Christian Church) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1894); and The authority of the apostolate was of a spiritual, ethical, or personal kind. It was not official (J. C. Lambert, art. Apostle I.S.B.E.). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 O. Linton, who defends the idea of the apostolic office, summarizes the views of those who oppose it as follows: Alles amtliche wird �ngstlichst vermieden. Diese Lehr ist der gerade Gegenpol zu der Katholischen Ansicht. Nach dieser war der Apostel der von Jesus selbst zur Regierung der Kirche Bevollmachtigte. And again: Jesus habe die Apostel nur zum Predigen und sum Dienst an der Gemeinde bestellt, nicht zum Regieren �ber die Kirche. Similarly C. B. Bavinck, another defender of the reality and originality of the apostolic office, states, Van een ambt moet men maar niet spreken 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Christelijke Encyclopaedie) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 289 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 IIIA1; see Vol. I, pp. 42, 43. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 290 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See H. E. Dana and J. R. Mantey, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1950, p. 255; and cf. Dr. Mantey s doctor s thesis The Meaning of �V� in John s Writings. )

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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Old Testament

New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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