John 20:22
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The imagery of divine breath creating life pervades Old Testament Scripture: God's breath creates (Genesis 1:2, Job 33:4, Psalm 33:6), sustains (Job 34:14-15), and renews (Ezekiel 37:9-10). Prophets promised Spirit-outpouring in the messianic age (Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27). Jesus's breathing enacts this promise.
The relationship between John 20:22 and Acts 2 has generated discussion since patristic times. Luke-Acts presents Pentecost as the decisive Spirit-baptism empowering witness. John's Gospel emphasizes realized eschatology—eternal life and Spirit possession begin now for believers. Some scholars propose John 20:22 represents Easter gift of regenerating Spirit, while Acts 2 describes Pentecost gift of empowering Spirit. Early church fathers like Chrysostom and Augustine wrestled with this chronology. The unified testimony: resurrection, ascension, and Spirit-gift form one salvation-historical complex establishing the church.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's breathing the Spirit on the disciples echo creation, and what does this reveal about new creation?
- What is the relationship between receiving the Holy Spirit and effective Christian witness and mission?
- How should pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit) shape ecclesiology (doctrine of the church)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when he had said this, he breathed on them—the Greek enephysēsen (ἐνεφύσησεν, breathed into/upon) appears only here in the New Testament, echoing Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam. Christ, the Second Adam, breathes resurrection life into new humanity. This acted parable demonstrates the Spirit's origin (from Christ), means (His breath), and purpose (empowerment for mission). Receive ye the Holy Ghost (labete pneuma hagion, λάβετε πνεῦμα ἅγιον)—the aorist imperative commands reception of what Christ offers.
Theological debate surrounds this verse's relationship to Pentecost (Acts 2). Some view this as preliminary empowerment for post-resurrection ministry, with Pentecost bringing fuller baptism of the Spirit. Others see symbolic anticipation of Pentecost. Regardless, Christ's breathing signifies the Spirit's coming depends on Christ's finished work—the Spirit comes from the crucified and risen Christ. The Spirit's reception enables the mission just commissioned (v.21). Without the Spirit, disciples cannot continue Christ's work; with the Spirit, they become witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).