John 20 - NIV Study Bible

20:1 while it was still dark. Mark says it was “just after sunrise” (Mk 16:2). Both statements are true of the period right around dawn. Mary Magdalene. The other Gospels attest to a number of women who were present at the empty tomb. Mary may have been alluding to them when she says in v. 2, “we don’t know where they have put him!” (see note on 19:25).

20:2 Simon Peter. Despite his denials, he was still the leading figure among the disciples. the one Jesus loved. John (see note on 13:23). we. Indicates that there were others with Mary (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:1; Lk 24:10), though John does not identify them. have put him. Mary had no thought of resurrection.

20:7 still lying in its place. An orderly arrangement, not in disarray, as would have resulted from a grave robbery.

20:8 He saw and believed. Cf. v. 29. John did not say what he believed, but it must have been that Jesus was resurrected.

20:9 Scripture. First they came to know of the resurrection through what they saw in the tomb; only later did they see it in Scripture. It is obvious they did not make up a story of resurrection to fit a preconceived understanding of Scriptural prophecy. had to rise. It was in Scripture and thus the will of God.

20:11 crying. As in 11:33 (see note there), it means “wailing,” a loud expression of grief.

20:12 two angels. Matthew has one angel (Mt 28:2), Mark an angel described as a “young man” (Mk 16:5) and Luke two men who were angels (Lk 24:4,23). See note on Lk 24:4.

20:13 Woman. See NIV text note on 19:26.

20:14 did not realize that it was Jesus. A number of times the risen Jesus was not recognized at first (21:4; Mt 28:17; Lk 24:16,37). He may have looked different, or he may intentionally have prevented recognition (see note on Lk 24:16).

20:15 Thinking he was the gardener. Although Mary was mistaken on one level, John may be using her words to implicitly show Jesus to be that first Gardener in Eden—God himself.

20:16 Mary. Cf. 10:3–4.

20:17 I have not yet ascended. See 13:3. The meaning appears to be that the ascension was still some time off. Mary would have opportunity to see Jesus again, so she need not cling to him. Alternatively, Jesus may be reminding Mary that after his crucifixion she cannot have him with her except through the Holy Spirit (16:5–16). my brothers. Probably the disciples (see v. 18; Mk 3:35 and note). The members of his family did not believe in him (see 7:5 and note on 7:4), though they became disciples not long after this (see Ac 1:14 and note). my Father and your Father. God is Father both of Christ and of believers, but in different senses (see 1:12,14,18,34; 3:16 and note).

20:19 See Lk 24:36 and note. disciples. May include others besides the apostles, “the Twelve” (v. 24). Cf. the parallel account in Lk 24, which refers to “the Eleven and those with them” (Lk 24:33). the Jewish leaders. See note on 1:19. Peace be with you! The normal Hebrew greeting (cf. Da 10:19). Because of their behavior the previous Friday, they may have expected rebuke and censure; but Jesus calmed their fears (see note on 14:27).

20:20 his hands and side. Where the wounds were (John does not refer to the wounds in the feet). According to Lk 24:37 they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus was clearly identifying himself.

20:21 Peace be with you! See note on v. 19. I am sending you. See note on 17:18.

20:22 breathed on them. A clear echo of Ge 2:7, where God breathed into Adam the breath of life, implying that Jesus is the Creator (see note on 1:3). Receive the Holy Spirit. Thus anticipating what happened 50 days later on the day of Pentecost (see Ac 2:2, 4,14,17,33,38 and notes). The disciples needed God’s help to carry out the commission they had just been given.

20:23 Or, “If you forgive anyone their sins, they have (already) been forgiven; if you do not forgive, they have not been forgiven.” Heaven is in accord with the apostles when they are following God-given procedures (cf. Mt 16:19 and note; 18:18 and NIV text note).

20:24 Thomas. See note on 11:16.

20:25 Unless I see . . . and put . . . I will not believe. Hardheaded skepticism can scarcely go further than this. Contrast Heb 11:1, 6,27; 1Pe 1:8.

20:26 Peace. See vv. 19,21 and note on 14:27.

20:28 My Lord and my God! To acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God is the high point of faith (see note on 1:1).

20:29 those who have not seen and yet have believed. Would have been very few at this time (see v. 8 and note). All whom John mentions had seen in some sense. The words, of course, apply to future believers as well.

20:30 signs. See note on 2:11. John had selected seven from among many (see chart). in the presence of his disciples. Those who could testify to what he had done. John again stresses testimony (see note on 1:7).

20:31 that you may believe. Expresses John’s evangelistic purpose as well as his purpose to encourage believers to continue in faith. believe. See note on 1:7. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Faith has content. the Messiah. See note on 1:25. This whole Gospel is written to show the truth of Jesus’ Messiahship and to present him as the Son of God, so that the readers may believe in him. Son of God. See 3:16 and note. that by believing you may have life. Another expression of purpose—to bring about faith that leads to life (see notes on 1:4; 3:15–16; cf. Gal 2:20 and note). name. Represents all that he is and stands for (see note on 2:23).