‘When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

The Holy Spirit remains a vital aspect of Christian life, guiding believers with wisdom and insight. This spiritual presence encourages a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of one’s purpose and mission. When Jesus breathes on the disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” it symbolises empowerment. This gesture mirrors God breathing life into Adam in Genesis, denoting a new creation—equipping them with the strength and guidance necessary for their mission and putting trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help navigate challenges and embrace opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Deeper Dive

The impartation of the Holy Spirit marks a pivotal moment. By breathing the Spirit onto the disciples, Jesus empowers them to fulfill their mission. This act signifies the beginning of a new spiritual era, where the disciples are equipped with divine guidance and strength. Verse 23 discusses the authority granted to the disciples to forgive sins. This authority is fundamental, indicating that through the Spirit, they act according to God’s will. The power of forgiveness is a core element of Christian doctrine, offering reconciliation and a path to spiritual renewal.

‘Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;  and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.’

Paul begins, “Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” This verse emphasises the role of the Holy Spirit in acknowledging Jesus as Lord. It is a reminder that genuine faith and confession are enabled by the Spirit’s work in an individual. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” Paul points out that while there are diverse gifts, all originate from the same Holy Spirit. This highlights the unity among believers, reminding them that diversity in gifts should not lead to division because they all come from one source.

Deeper Dive

Paul explains that while the workings or activities may vary, it is God who is ultimately at work in each believer. This reinforces the idea that God orchestrates all actions for a unified purpose. Paul says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This highlights the primary purpose of spiritual gifts—they are meant to edify the community rather than elevate an individual. The focus is on mutual benefit and the building up of the church. Understanding that the same God works through diverse gifts and services inspires acceptance and celebration of each person’s unique contribution.

‘Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.  And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power”’.

This passage details the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, marking the birth of the early Church. It begins with the apostles gathered together in one place on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival, was celebrated 50 days after the Passover and is also known as the Feast of Weeks. It marks the end of the harvest season, and in the Christian context, it represents the beginning of a spiritual harvest. The passage describes a sudden and dramatic event: a sound like a mighty rushing wind filling the house where the Apostles were sitting. Tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

Deeper Dive

This emphasises unity, expectation and obedience. Jesus had commanded them to wait (Acts 1:4–5). The disciples are no longer scattered and fearful like after the crucifixion. They are gathered prayerfully, waiting for promise rather than acting in panic. Fire often signifies God’s presence, holiness, purification and revelation. At Pentecost the Spirit enables understanding and the gospel begins gathering nations together.

‘When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

The atmosphere is tense, marked by uncertainty and doubt following Christ’s crucifixion. The locked doors symbolise not just physical barriers but also an emotional and spiritual impasse. Jesus appears among the disciples despite the locked doors, His presence representing transcendence over barriers. Jesus shows His hands and side, the marks of crucifixion, affirming His identity to the disciples. This act was essential not just as proof of His resurrection, but as a reminder of the sacrifice made for humanity’s redemption. The physical wounds symbolise the continuity of Jesus’ mission even after death. Jesus reiterates His commission: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” This charge transforms the disciples from mere followers to proactive messengers of the gospel. Their mission now parallels that of Jesus—spreading His teachings and offering the message of salvation to all.

Deeper Dive

Jesus’ message of peace is timeless. His first words to the disciples, “Peace be with you,” are more than a mere greeting; they reflect the deep peace that comes with faith in the resurrected Lord. This moment underscores one of the key Christian teachings—Jesus as the bringer of peace. Believers today can draw strength from Jesus’ words, finding solace amid life’s challenges. Embracing this peace encourages a focus on spiritual resilience and hope. Just as the original disciples were sent forth, modern believers are called to continue sharing the teachings of Christ. The message of John inspires Christians to embody their faith actively and compassionately in daily interactions.