20:1 Mary Magdalene See note on 19:25.

The Role of Women in John’s Gospel

20:2 Simon Peter See note on Matt 10:2.

whom Jesus loved See note on John 13:23.

20:9 scripture Refers to Psa 16:10 or Isa 53:10 or both.

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

20:12 two angels in white Messengers of God. Angels in Scripture typically wear white, which symbolizes holiness (see note on Mark 16:5; note on Acts 1:10; note on Dan 7:9).

Angels in the Bible Table

20:14 did not know that it was Jesus Mary might not have recognized Jesus because His resurrected form was somehow different from His previous physical form (compare Luke 24:16; John 21:4). It also might have been too dark to see clearly (v. 1).

Resurrection Appearances of Jesus Table

20:16 Rabboni Meaning “my teacher.” She recognizes Jesus for who He is and acknowledges His role as the one who taught her.

20:19 Peace See note on Luke 2:14.

20:20 they saw the Lord In His farewell discourse, Jesus had taught His disciples that His resurrection was coming after His death (John 13:31–16:33).

20:22 he breathed After the disciples affirm that Jesus is God, He breathes on them, as God had breathed life into Adam (Gen 2:7).

Receive the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised this prior to His death (14:16, 26).

20:23 they are forgiven them A reference to the Holy Spirit’s work within people. The Holy Spirit is the one who forgives and uses believers to deliver His words and message, carrying out God’s will. This fits with the Spirit’s role as an advocate for sinners (see note on 14:26).

they are retained Also the work of the Spirit. This happens when someone rejects Jesus (see note on 14:17).

20:28 my God Thomas affirms what Jesus has been alluding to throughout the Gospel: Jesus is more than a teacher and a master—He is God (see note on 12:13).

20:29 have not seen and have believed Refers to people—like John’s audience, and believers today—who have not seen the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes (see note on 2:11; note on 14:11; compare 9:38).

20:31 that you may believe Presents the theme and purpose of John’s Gospel. On the basis of the book’s testimony, John calls for people to believe in Jesus—the world’s King and Savior, as well as God’s Son—and receive the eternal life that comes through His death and resurrection (3:16–17).