John 20:23
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus's language parallels rabbinic authority to "bind and loose" (Matthew 16:19, 18:18)—declaring what is permitted or forbidden under Torah. Early church preaching exercised this authority: Peter announced forgiveness at Pentecost (Acts 2:38) and pronounced judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Paul exercised church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:5) and pronounced blessing on faithful churches (Romans 15:29).
Church history shows varied applications. Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism developed formal confession with priestly absolution. Reformers like Luther and Calvin rejected sacramental penance while affirming ministerial authority to proclaim forgiveness through gospel preaching and warn of judgment for impenitence. Anabaptist traditions emphasized congregational discipline. All Christian traditions recognize some form of this authority, disagreeing on its locus (ordained clergy vs. all believers) and exercise (sacramental vs. declarative). The text's emphasis on Spirit-empowerment (v.22) and mission context (v.21) suggests authority functions through faithful gospel proclamation in the Spirit's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the church exercise authority to announce forgiveness and warn of judgment in contemporary contexts?
- What is the relationship between Christ's finished work, the Spirit's power, and the church's ministry of reconciliation?
- How do you balance gospel assurance of forgiveness with sober warnings about impenitence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. This controversial verse grants disciples authority in sin's remission/retention. The Greek perfect passive construction (aphēontai, ἀφέωνται; kekratēntai, κεκράτηνται) indicates completed action with ongoing results: "have been and remain forgiven/retained." This suggests disciples declare rather than determine forgiveness—they announce what God has already accomplished through Christ's work.
Protestant interpretation emphasizes declarative authority: as ambassadors proclaiming gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20), ministers announce forgiveness to believers and warn unrepentant sinners of retained guilt. Roman Catholic theology sees sacramental authority for priestly absolution. The context supports Protestant reading: immediately following Spirit-reception (v.22) and mission-commissioning (v.21), this authority flows from gospel proclamation. Those who believe the apostolic message receive forgiveness (Acts 2:38, 10:43); those who reject it remain in sin (John 3:18, 36). The church's authority derives from faithfulness to Christ's Word, not institutional hierarchy. This power operates through preaching, not religious ceremony divorced from gospel content.