John 20:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 20:21
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Chapter Context
John 20 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, worship, love. 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 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 20:21
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Analysis
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you—Christ repeats His peace greeting (v.19), this time as foundation for commissioning. The repetition emphasizes peace as essential to mission: only those possessing Christ's peace can bear His gospel. As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you—the Greek construction (kathōs...kagō, καθὼς...κἀγώ) creates parallel between Christ's sending and the disciples' sending. The Father's apostellō (ἀποστέλλω, official commissioning with authority) of the Son becomes the Son's pempō (πέμπω, sending with purpose) of disciples.
This commission establishes apostolic ministry's foundation: Christ's authority, Christ's mission, Christ's methods. The Father sent the Son into the world (John 3:17); now the risen Son sends disciples into the world (John 17:18). This parallels the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) but uniquely emphasizes continuity of mission—disciples continue Christ's work of manifesting God's glory, revealing truth, and gathering God's people. Mission flows from relationship with the risen Christ and participation in His continuing ministry through the church.
Historical Context
Jesus's commission fulfilled His high priestly prayer: "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). The Greek term apostolos (apostle) derives from apostellō (to send with authority), designating authorized representatives. Jewish culture understood the shaliach principle: "a man's agent is as himself"—the sent one carries the sender's authority.
This commission launched the church's missionary movement. Acts records the disciples' obedience: preaching in Jerusalem (Acts 2-7), Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-12), and to earth's ends (Acts 13-28). Church tradition places apostolic ministry across the Roman Empire and beyond: Thomas to India, Mark to Alexandria, Andrew to Scythia. The gospel's global spread from one locked room in Jerusalem demonstrates resurrection power transforming fearful disciples into world-changing witnesses.
Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as sent by Christ (as He was sent by the Father) transform your sense of purpose?
- What does it mean to continue Christ's mission in the world, and what would this look like in your context?
- Why must Christ's peace precede and undergird Christian mission and witness?
Cross-References
- Peace: John 14:27
- Parallel theme: John 3:17, 13:20, Matthew 10:16, 10:40, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:2