John 20:19–23

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

(Matt 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–18; Luke 24:36–49)

19 It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 20After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” 22Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23*If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”