How does John 20:22 illustrate the impartation of the Holy Spirit to believers? Scripture Focus John 20:22: “When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” Background to the Moment • Evening of Resurrection Sunday (John 20:19) • Doors locked, fear in the room—Jesus stands among them alive • Verse 21: “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” • Verse 22 follows immediately, showing that the sending and the Spirit are inseparable Symbolic Action, Literal Impartation • “He breathed on them” mirrors God’s creative breath (Genesis 2:7), indicating new spiritual life, not mere symbolism • The imperative “Receive” (Greek aorist, completed action) marks an actual bestowal of the Spirit in that moment • Jesus alone performs the act—affirming His divine authority to give the Spirit (cf. John 1:33) Old Testament Echoes • Genesis 2:7—God breathes life into Adam: physical creation • Ezekiel 37:5—God promises to put breath in dry bones: national/spiritual revival • John 20:22—Christ breathes the Holy Spirit: new-creation life for believers Firstfruits of the New Covenant • Distinct from Pentecost (Acts 2) – Here: limited group of disciples, quiet room, personal commission – Pentecost: public, audible wind, tongues, international audience • John 20:22 inaugurates personal indwelling; Acts 2 empowers the church for global witness • Both events flow from the same promise (John 14:16-17) Permanent Indwelling Affirmed • Romans 8:9: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you…?” • Ephesians 1:13: “Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” • These verses confirm that what Jesus imparted in John 20:22 remains with every believer Commission and Empowerment • Verse 23 links the Spirit’s impartation to authoritative ministry: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven…” • The Spirit equips disciples to proclaim the gospel that brings forgiveness (Luke 24:47; Acts 13:38-39) Implications for Believers Today • The same Holy Spirit indwells all who trust Christ, granting: – Assurance of salvation (Romans 8:16) – Power for obedience (Galatians 5:16-18) – Boldness in witness (Acts 4:31) – Unity with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:13) Key Takeaways • John 20:22 records a real, historical impartation of the Holy Spirit by the risen Christ • The breath of Jesus signals new-creation life and personal indwelling for every believer • This event anchors the church’s mission: we go in the power of the Spirit we have already received |
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