John 20:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 20:6
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
Chapter Context
John 20 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, obedience, fellowship. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 20:6
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
Analysis
Then cometh Simon Peter following him—Peter arrives second but went into the sepulchre (εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, eisēlthen eis to mnēmeion) immediately, characteristically bold. The verb's aorist tense emphasizes decisive action contrasting John's hesitation. And seeth the linen clothes lie (θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα, theōrei ta othonia keimena)—John uses a different verb for Peter's seeing: θεωρεῖ (theōrei), suggesting more careful observation than mere glancing.
Peter's entering first despite arriving second inverts expected order, previewing the resurrection's pattern of reversals. The grave clothes 'lying' (κείμενα, keimena)—present participle suggesting they lie undisturbed, not scattered as if unwrapped hastily. This detail becomes crucial: the body hadn't been stolen (thieves don't unwrap corpses), nor had Jesus merely revived (he wouldn't carefully remove wrappings).
Historical Context
Peter's leadership role in the early church (Acts 1-12) was already established when John wrote, making this account of Peter entering first theologically significant—the church's chief apostle is first to fully witness the empty tomb's evidence. Peter's boldness here contrasts with his earlier denials (18:17, 25-27), showing restoration already beginning even before the explicit reconciliation of chapter 21.
Reflection
- How does Peter's immediate entry despite ritual defilement show that some moments transcend religious protocol?
- What does the undisturbed state of the grave clothes prove that an empty tomb alone could not?
- When has your boldness in entering difficult situations prepared the way for others' understanding?