John 13:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 13:20
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Chapter Context
John 13 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 13:20
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Analysis
Verily, verily introduces weighty truth. He that receiveth whomsoever I send (λαμβάνων, lambanōn; πέμπω, pempō)—receiving Christ's sent messengers equals receiving Christ. "Send" (pempō) is apostolic terminology; Jesus sends His apostles with His authority. Receiveth me—accepting Christ's representatives means accepting Christ Himself. This grants apostolic authority but also apostolic accountability.
And he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me—the chain extends to the Father. Receiving apostles → receiving Christ → receiving the Father. This establishes representational theology: the sent one carries the sender's authority. Jesus is the Father's sent One (John 3:17, 5:36); apostles are Jesus' sent ones (John 17:18, 20:21). Rejecting apostolic testimony means rejecting Christ and the Father. This grounds biblical authority—Scripture written by apostles carries Christ's own authority. The principle also warns Christ's messengers: misrepresenting Him means grave accountability.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a sent messenger (שָׁלִיחַ, shaliach in Hebrew; apostolos in Greek) legally represented the sender with full authority. Jesus applies this cultural practice to apostolic ministry. Early church debates over authority (Galatians, 2 Corinthians) appealed to apostolic authentication. This verse grounds the canon—apostolic writings carry Christ's authority.
Reflection
- How should this verse shape your response to faithful preaching of God's Word?
- What accountability does this principle create for those who claim to speak for Christ?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 25:40, Mark 9:37, Luke 9:48, 10:16, Galatians 4:14, Colossians 2:6