John 20:23

"When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!"

Key Reflection

This action of breathing on the disciples symbolizes Jesus bestowing the Holy Spirit upon them, granting them the authority to forgive sins—a role previously held by the priesthood. This moment marks the beginning of their ministry and emphasizes the transition from physical presence to spiritual empowerment in spreading the gospel.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. Whose soever sins, &c. See Barnes "Mt 16:19" See Barnes "Mt 18:18". It is worthy of remark here that Jesus confers the same power on all the apostles. He gives to no one of them any peculiar authority. If Peter, as the Papists pretend, had been appointed to any peculiar authority, it is wonderful that the Saviour did not here hint at any such pre-eminence. This passage conclusively proves that they were invested with equal power in organizing and governing the church. The authority which he had given Peter to preach the gospel first to the Jews and the Gentiles, does not militate against this. See Barnes "Mt 16:18, See Barnes "Mt 16:19".

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