John 20:6 – “Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter arrives at the empty tomb after John, but unlike John, he doesn’t hesitate—he goes straight in. This is characteristic of Peter’s bold and impulsive nature. While John had stopped at the entrance, peering inside, Peter charges forward.
Inside, Peter sees the burial cloths lying there. This is an important detail. If Jesus’ body had been stolen, the linen wrappings would not have been left behind. This first piece of evidence points to the reality that something extraordinary has happened—Jesus is no longer in the tomb, but He was not taken by grave robbers.
Peter’s entrance into the tomb marks a turning point. He is no longer just hearing about the empty tomb from Mary Magdalene or John; he is seeing it for himself. This is often how faith works—God invites us to step forward, investigate, and see His truth for ourselves.
Historical Context
Jewish burial practices at the time involved wrapping a body in linen cloths, sometimes binding the hands and feet, with a separate cloth covering the head. Spices and perfumes were also placed on the body to slow decay. When Jesus was buried, His body had been wrapped in linen with about 75 pounds of spices (John 19:39-40).
Tombs in that era were carved into rock, and entering required stepping into a small, enclosed space. For Peter to go in meant he was willing to enter a place that might be considered unclean or even dangerous. But he does not hesitate—his desire to know the truth is stronger than any fear.
Additionally, Jesus’ tomb had been sealed with a heavy stone and guarded by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:62-66). The fact that the tomb was now open and empty was shocking, and Peter’s immediate investigation shows his deep concern.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a key theme in the Christian faith: seeking truth requires action. John saw from the outside, but Peter stepped in. Many people hear about Jesus, but only those who truly seek Him will find the evidence of His resurrection and experience His power personally (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7).
Peter’s boldness also reminds us that past failures do not disqualify us from seeking Jesus. Just days earlier, Peter had denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Yet here he is, running to the tomb and stepping inside. His story is one of redemption—God does not reject those who fail but welcomes those who return to Him.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel is full of personal details that add to the authenticity of the account. Here, the contrast between John and Peter is striking. John arrives first but waits; Peter arrives second but enters immediately. This highlights their personalities—John is reflective and careful, while Peter is passionate and action-driven.
The mention of the burial cloths is also significant. In John 11:44, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus emerged still wrapped in his grave clothes. But here, Jesus’ cloths are left behind, a sign that He did not need them anymore. This small but powerful detail sets Jesus’ resurrection apart from any other miracle.
The phrase “he saw” is also important. The Greek word used for “saw” (theóreó) suggests careful observation, not just a quick glance. Peter was investigating what had happened. He was not just reacting emotionally—he was thinking deeply about what he was seeing.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:5 – John looks inside but does not enter.
- John 20:7 – The head cloth is found folded separately, another sign that Jesus had not been stolen.
- Luke 24:12 – Peter runs to the tomb, sees the linen cloths, and leaves wondering what happened.
- John 11:44 – Lazarus comes out of his tomb still wrapped in burial cloths, unlike Jesus.
- Acts 10:39-41 – Peter later preaches that he and others were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that faith often requires bold action. Like Peter, we must be willing to step into the unknown, to investigate and seek Jesus for ourselves. We cannot rely only on what others say—we must personally encounter the truth of Jesus.
It also challenges us to consider how we respond to spiritual truth. Are we like John, observing from a distance? Or are we like Peter, stepping forward in faith, even when we don’t fully understand? True faith is not passive—it moves us to seek and respond to Jesus.
Additionally, Peter’s example encourages those who have failed. Even after denying Jesus, he still pursued Him. No matter how many times we fall, God’s grace invites us to keep seeking Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God does not hide from those who seek Him. Peter stepped into the tomb and found clear evidence that Jesus was not there. In the same way, when we seek God with sincerity, He will reveal Himself to us (Deuteronomy 4:29).
This verse also shows that God uses different personalities and approaches to faith. John and Peter were different, yet both were led to the truth. God does not expect everyone to follow Him in the exact same way—He meets people where they are.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples that He would rise again (Mark 9:31, John 2:19-22). Now, Peter and John were seeing the first evidence of that promise. The empty tomb was not just a missing body—it was proof that Jesus had conquered death.
- John 10:17-18 – Jesus said He had the authority to lay down His life and take it up again.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul confirms that Jesus was buried and rose again, just as the Scriptures foretold.
- Romans 6:9 – “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again.”
- Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares, “I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter entered the tomb while John hesitated?
- Have you ever been hesitant to step forward in faith? What held you back?
- How do the burial cloths provide evidence that Jesus’ body was not stolen?
- What does Peter’s boldness teach us about how we should seek Jesus?
- How can you encourage someone who feels unworthy of seeking Jesus because of their past failures?
This verse challenges us to step forward in faith. Like Peter, we must be willing to investigate the truth of Jesus and respond boldly. The empty tomb is not just a historical event—it is a call to believe.