John 20:22 – “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse takes place on the evening of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were hiding in a locked room out of fear when Jesus suddenly appeared among them. He reassured them with the words, “Peace be with you,” and then told them that just as the Father had sent Him, He was now sending them into the world (John 20:21).

Immediately after commissioning them, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This was a symbolic and significant moment. The breath of Jesus was a visible sign of the Holy Spirit’s coming power. Though the full outpouring of the Spirit would not happen until Pentecost (Acts 2), this moment served as a preview of what was to come.

The act of breathing is deeply meaningful. In the Bible, breath is often associated with life and the creative power of God. In Genesis 2:7, God breathed life into Adam, making him a living being. Now, Jesus was doing something similar—He was breathing spiritual life into His disciples, equipping them for the mission ahead.

Historical Context

The disciples were still struggling to understand everything that had happened. They had seen Jesus arrested, crucified, and buried. Now, He was standing in front of them, alive!

At this point in history, the Holy Spirit had not yet come to dwell permanently within believers. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come upon certain individuals for specific tasks (e.g., Samson in Judges 14:6 or David in 1 Samuel 16:13), but He did not indwell people in the way He does today.

Jesus had already promised that the Holy Spirit would come:

• John 14:16-17 – Jesus said He would send another Helper who would be with them forever.
• John 16:7 – Jesus told the disciples that it was better for them if He went away so the Holy Spirit could come.

This moment in John 20:22 was the beginning of that promise being fulfilled.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several foundational truths:

1. The Holy Spirit is essential for the Christian life. Jesus didn’t send His disciples out into the world empty-handed—He gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them.
2. Jesus has the authority to give the Holy Spirit. Just as He had authority over life and death, He also had the authority to send the Spirit to His followers.
3. The Spirit brings new life. Just as God breathed life into Adam, Jesus breathed spiritual life into His disciples. Without the Spirit, we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1).
4. This moment looks forward to Pentecost. The full arrival of the Spirit in Acts 2 would empower the disciples for their mission, but here, Jesus was preparing them for what was to come.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of deep symbolism, and this verse is no exception:

• “He breathed on them” – This echoes Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam. It also connects with Ezekiel 37:9-10, where God breathes life into dry bones, symbolizing spiritual revival.
• “Receive the Holy Spirit” – This phrase is both a command and a promise. The Spirit was coming, and the disciples were called to receive Him, meaning they had to be open and willing to follow His leading.

John’s use of “breath” is intentional. In both Hebrew (ruach) and Greek (pneuma), the words for “Spirit” also mean “breath” or “wind.” This shows that the Holy Spirit is the life-giving presence of God.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:7 – God breathes life into Adam, creating the first human.
• Ezekiel 37:9-10 – The breath of God revives dry bones, symbolizing spiritual renewal.
• Acts 2:1-4 – The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost with power, filling the disciples.
• 2 Corinthians 3:6 – “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
• Romans 8:9 – Every true believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.
• Titus 3:5 – The Holy Spirit renews and regenerates believers.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. Just as Jesus’ disciples needed the Holy Spirit, so do we.

• The Spirit empowers us to follow Jesus. Without the Spirit, we would be weak and ineffective.
• The Spirit brings life and renewal. He takes what is dead and brings it to life, transforming hearts and minds.
• The Spirit is a gift. Jesus freely gave the Spirit to His disciples, and He gives the same gift to every believer today.

Many people try to live the Christian life on their own, relying on their own strength, but this verse reminds us that we need the Spirit’s power.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in this moment because He does not leave His people alone. Jesus could have left the disciples with a mission but no power—but instead, He gave them the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and comfort them.

This verse shows:

1. God’s desire to be close to us. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence living within us.
2. God’s willingness to equip us. He doesn’t just call us to a mission—He empowers us for it.
3. God’s gift of spiritual life. Just as Jesus breathed new life into His disciples, He offers new life to everyone who believes in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse because:

1. He is the giver of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus, as the risen Lord, has the authority to send the Spirit.
2. He fulfills His promises. He had told His disciples that the Spirit would come, and now He was making it happen.
3. He shows that His mission is continuing. By giving the Spirit, He was preparing His disciples to carry on His work in the world.

This verse connects with other teachings of Jesus about the Spirit:

• John 14:26 – Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind His followers of His words.
• John 16:13 – Jesus says the Spirit will guide believers into all truth.
• Luke 24:49 – Jesus tells His disciples to wait for the power from on high (the Holy Spirit).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus breathed on His disciples instead of simply speaking?
2. What does this verse teach us about our dependence on the Holy Spirit?
3. How have you experienced the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit in your own life?
4. Why is it significant that Jesus gave the Spirit before sending His disciples into the world?
5. In what ways do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than your own strength?

Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit changed everything for His disciples—and it changes everything for us today. We are not left to live the Christian life alone. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered, renewed, and guided to carry out the mission Jesus has given us.