John 20 - NIV First Century Study Bible

20:1 The stone had been removed. See note on Mk 15:46.

20:16 Rabboni. John makes a point of saying that Mary speaks in “Aramaic.” The Greek word John uses here is hebraisti, which refers to the language of the Hebrews, meaning Hebrew or Aramaic. Aramaic was a commonly spoken language, but the Dead Sea Scrolls prove that Hebrew was also utilized during this time and may have been spoken as well. Regardless, Mary’s response is personal and intimate, reflecting the language of a close disciple. This powerful scene, the first resurrection appearance, reinforces the importance of women among Jesus’ followers (see notes on Mt 28:1; Lk 8:2–3; Jn 4:27).

20:19 Peace be with you! This is rooted in the Hebrew expression of blessing and greeting, Shalom alekem.

20:22 Receive the Holy Spirit. The language clearly echoes the story of God breathing upon adam, giving humanity life (see note on Ge 2:7). The relationship between this event and Pentecost is a little unclear (see Ac 2). There may have been several traditions about how and when the disciples received the Spirit.

20:27 Put your finger here. This was particularly challenging to later Gnostics, who believed that Jesus only appeared human but in fact was pure spirit.

20:28 My Lord and my God! This directly parallels the title by which Emperor Domitian demanded to be addressed. The phrase in Latin was “Dominus et dues noster.” John’s Gospel was written and circulated around the time of Domitian’s reign.