John20
English Standard Version
1 on the day of the the , while it , that the had been taken the .
2 she , the , to , They have the of the , we do they have .
3 the , they were the .
4 of them were , the and .
5 stooping to , he the there, he did go .
6 , , the . He the there,
7 the , had ’ , the a .
8 the , had the , , he ;
9 as they did the , the .
10 the their .
11 the , and she she stooped to the .
12 she , the of had , the the .
13 to , , are you ? She to , They have taken , I do they have .
14 , she , she did it .
15 to , , are you ? are you ? him to the , to , , have , you have , and will .
16 to , . and to in , ! ( ).
17 to , Do to , I not ; to , I am , .
18 and to the , I have the — that he had these to .
19 the of , the day of the , being the of the , them to , be with .
20 he had , he his . the were when they the .
21 to , be with . the has , even so am .
22 when he had , he them to , the .
23 you the of , they are ; you forgiveness from , it is .
24 , the , the , .
25 the , We have the . he to , I the of the , the of the , , I will .
26 , , was . Although the were , , be with .
27 he to , , ; , it . , .
28 , !
29 to , Have you you have ? are those who have and have .
30 in the of , ;
31 are so you may the , the of , by you may .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for John 20.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The sepulchre found to be empty. (1–10). Christ appears to Mary. (11–18). He appears to the disciples. (19–25). The unbelief of Thomas. (26–29). Conclusion. (30, 31).
vv1-10
If Christ gave his life a ransom, and had not taken it again, it would not have appeared that his giving it was accepted as satisfaction. It was a great trial to Mary, that the body was gone. Weak believers often make that the matter of complaint, which is really just ground of hope, and matter of joy. It is well when those more honoured than others with the privileges of disciples, are more active than others in the duty of disciples; more willing to take pains, and run hazards, in a good work. We must do our best, and neither envy those who can do better, nor despise those who do as well as they can, though they come behind. The disciple whom Jesus loved in a special manner, and who therefore in a special manner loved Jesus, was foremost. The love of Christ will make us to abound in every duty more than any thing else. He that was behind was Peter, who had denied Christ. A sense of guilt hinders us in the service of God. As yet the disciples knew not the Scripture; they Christ must rise again from the dead.
vv11-18
We are likely to seek and find, when we seek with affection, and seek in tears. But many believers complain of the clouds and darkness they are under, which are methods of grace for humbling their souls, mortifying their sins, and endearing Christ to them. A sight of angels and their smiles, will not suffice, without a sight of Jesus, and God's smiles in him. None know, but those who have tasted it, the sorrows of a deserted soul, which has had comfortable evidences of the love of God in Christ, and hopes of heaven, but has now lost them, and walks in darkness; such a wounded spirit who can bear? Christ, in manifesting himself to those that seek him, often outdoes their expectations. See how Mary's heart was in earnest to find Jesus. Christ's way of making himself known to his people is by his word; his word applied to their souls, speaking to them in particular. It might be read, Is it my Master? See with what pleasure those who love Jesus speak of his authority over them. He forbids her to expect that his bodily presence look further, than the present state of things. Observe the relation to God, from union with Christ. We, partaking of a Divine nature, Christ's Father is our Father; and he, partaking of the human nature, our God is his God. Christ's ascension into heaven, there to plead for us, is likewise an unspeakable comfort. Let them not think this earth is to be their home and rest; their eye and aim, and earnest desires, must be upon another world, and this ever upon their hearts, I ascend, therefore I must seek the things which are above. And let those who know the word of Christ, endeavour that others should get good from their knowledge.
vv19-25
This was the first day of the week, and this day is afterwards often mentioned by the sacred writers; for it was evidently set apart as the Christian sabbath, in remembrance of Christ's resurrection. The disciples had shut the doors for fear of the Jews; and when they had no such expectation, Jesus himself came and stood in the midst of them, having miraculously, though silently, opened the doors. It is a comfort to Christ's disciples, when their assemblies can only be held in private, that no doors can shut out Christ's presence. When He manifests his love to believers by the comforts of his Spirit, he assures them that because he lives, they shall live also. A sight of Christ will gladden the heart of a disciple at any time; and the more we see of Jesus, the more we shall rejoice. He said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost, thus showing that their spiritual life, as well as all their ability for their work, would be derived from him, and depended upon him. Every word of Christ which is received in the heart by faith, comes accompanied by this Divine breathing; and without this there is neither light nor life. Nothing is seen, known, discerned, or felt of God, but through this. After this, Christ directed the apostles to declare the only method by which sin would be forgiven. This power did not exist at all in the apostles as a power to give judgment, but only as a power to declare the character of those whom God would accept or reject in the day of judgment. They have clearly laid down the marks whereby a child of God may be discerned and be distinguished from a false professor; and according to what they have declared shall every case be decided in the day of judgment. When we assemble in Christ's name, especially on his holy day, he will meet with us, and speak peace to us. The disciples of Christ should endeavour to build up one another in their most holy faith, both by repeating what they have heard to those that were absent, and by making known what they have experienced. Thomas limited the Holy One of Israel, when he would be convinced by his own method or not at all. He might justly have been left in his unbelief, after rejecting such abundant proofs. The fears and sorrows of the disciples are often lengthened, to punish their negligence.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
μία (mía): one or first
σάββατον (sábbaton): the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight, i.e. the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in all the above applications
Μαρία (María): Maria or Mariam (i.e. Mirjam), the name of six Christian females
Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnḗ): a female Magdalene, i.e. inhabitant of Magdala
ἔρχομαι (érchomai): to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς (eis): to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μνημεῖον (mnēmeîon): a remembrance, i.e. cenotaph (place of interment)
πρωΐ (prōḯ): at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch
ὤν (ṓn): being
Cross References
John 20Parallel account of Peter running to the sepulchre upon hearing the women's report.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallel invitation to behold His hands and feet, verifying His physical resurrection body.
Supported by JFB
Identical mission structure: as the Father sent the Son, so Christ sends His disciples.
Supported by John Calvin
Jesus breathing on disciples echoes God breathing life into Adam; a new spiritual creation.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Contrast and comparison of women holding/touching the risen Lord's feet.
Supported by JFB
Fulfillment of declaring God's name to His 'brethren' post-resurrection.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The blessing of those who love and believe in Christ without having seen Him physically.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Good Shepherd calls His own sheep by name, and she recognizes His voice.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identifies Mary Magdalene and other women delivering the resurrection news to the apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Paul's historical summary confirms Jesus' resurrection appearance to the gathered disciples.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the binding and loosing authority given to the apostles.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Lazarus emerged bound in graveclothes; Jesus left His behind, orderly folded.
Supported by JFB
Early church practice of assembling for worship on the first day of the week.
Supported by Matthew Henry