What is the Meaning of John 20:21? A Biblical Explanation

Q: What is the meaning of John 20:21?

John 20:21 opens a profound moment on the evening of Jesus' resurrection. The disciples were fearful and locked away when Jesus miraculously appeared, confirming His victory over death. His first words, 'Peace be with you,' were not a simple greeting but a divine gift of 'Shalom'—wholeness and spiritual completeness—fulfilling His earlier promise (John 14:27). He then gave them a divine commission, 'As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.' This parallels His own divinely ordained mission, making the disciples an extension of God's redemptive plan. This commission transforms them from fearful followers into 'sent ones' (apostles), empowered with the authority of the Risen Lord to bear witness to His truth and proclaim His victory over sin and death.

Q: How Does This Verse Connect to the Holy Spirit?

John 20:21 directly lays the groundwork for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Immediately after commissioning His disciples, Jesus 'breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’' (John 20:22). This symbolic act, echoing God breathing life into Adam, signifies a new spiritual creation in Christ. This impartation of the Spirit was an immediate empowerment for their mission, a foretaste of the full Pentecost experience. It assured the disciples of His continued presence, showing that they would not be sent alone. The connection is inseparable: the commission from Christ is fulfilled through the enabling power and presence of the Holy Spirit He provides.

Kshamta Poorun
January 14, 2026
6:47 pm
Biblical Scripture and Verses
Biblical Explanation, Disciples, Jesus Christ, John 20:21, Resurrection

John 20:21 records the moment the resurrected Jesus commissions His disciples. He says, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ This verse signifies the transfer of mission from Jesus to His followers, empowering them to continue His work on earth with the same divine authority and purpose, beginning with His peace.

Imagine the disciples’ fear and confusion after the crucifixion of their Lord. Locked away, they wrestled with grief and uncertainty, unable to grasp the glorious truth about to unfold. Then, suddenly, Jesus Christ Himself stood among them. Risen from the dead, He bore the marks of His sacrifice yet radiated divine peace. This miraculous appearance, recounted in John 20, leads to a declaration that affirms His victory over death and eternal sovereignty—a message that still resonates with believers today.

In this awe-inspiring moment, Jesus declares, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21, ESV). This is far more than a casual greeting; it is a divine imparting of peace and a powerful call to mission from our Lord and Savior. These words get to the heart of what it means to follow Christ: to receive His peace—the fruit of His atoning death and resurrection—and then to be sent out with His authority and purpose. Understanding this verse reveals not only a pivotal moment in salvation history but also a direct invitation for every Christian to participate in God’s redemptive work.

This article will delve into the rich layers of John 20:21. We will explore its immediate context, the profound meaning of Jesus’ greeting of peace, and the transformative implications of the commission He gives His disciples. We will also see how this timeless scripture empowers us, His followers, to live as ‘sent ones’ in a world desperately in need of His truth and love.

What is the meaning of John 20:21?

Jesus commissions his disciples in a serene outdoor setting. — Professional photography, photorealistic, high-quality stock photo style. Jesus Christ, portrayed with a serene and authoritative demeanor, stands amongst a small group of his disciples. The setting is an outdoor, natural landscape, possibly near the Sea of Galilee, bathed in soft, early morning light. Jesus is looking towards the disciples, one hand slightly raised in a gesture of commissioning, conveying profound peace and purpose. The disciples are looking at him with expressions of reverence, understanding, and awe. The overall atmosphere is sacred, hopeful, and deeply significant. NO artificial elements, NO illustrations, NO CGI look. Real human subjects, professional photography.

The Context: A Locked Room and a Risen Savior

John 20:21 captures a profound moment in the life of Jesus’ disciples. On the evening of His glorious resurrection, they were gathered in a room with the doors securely locked, their hearts heavy with fear (John 20:19). While the outside world was hostile, hope inside seemed lost after the crucifixion.

Suddenly, Jesus Himself appeared among them, His bodily presence defying all physical barriers. This was no ghost or apparition but the risen Christ, truly alive. His miraculous appearance profoundly confirmed His victory over death and affirmed His divine power, immediately shifting their fear to immense joy (John 20:20). He was undeniably the Son of God, just as He had claimed.

The Greeting of Peace: More Than a Simple Hello

Jesus’ first words to His anxious disciples were, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:21). This was far more than a casual greeting. In the Hebrew tradition, “Shalom” embodies wholeness and well-being, signifying spiritual completeness and a deep tranquility in God. This peace came directly from Christ as a divine gift for their troubled souls.

To solidify their belief, Jesus showed them His hands and His side—the very marks of His crucifixion. These wounds served as undeniable proof of His identity and confirmed His sacrificial love, assuring them of His completed work on the cross. In this way, His greeting promised comfort, forgiveness, and new life, perfectly fulfilling His earlier promise: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27).

The Divine Commission: ‘As the Father Has Sent Me’

In John 20:21, Jesus directly parallels His own mission with the one He now gives His disciples when He declares, “As the Father has sent Me.” This statement carries immense weight because Jesus’ mission was divinely ordained by God the Father, making it both purposeful and world-changing. He came to reveal God’s love, reconcile humanity to God, and establish God’s kingdom.

Just as Jesus’ life was one of perfect obedience to the Father’s will (John 5:30), the disciples’ mission is now equally sacred. It serves as a direct extension of God’s redemptive plan, allowing them to participate in this divine work. This understanding elevates their calling by connecting their future actions directly to the Father’s eternal purpose.

The Empowerment for Mission: ‘I Am Sending You’

Following this divine example, Jesus gives a powerful commission, not a mere suggestion: “I am sending you.” In this moment, these fearful disciples were transformed into “sent ones”—the literal meaning of the term “apostle.” They were now entrusted with the monumental task of carrying the Gospel message to a world desperate for hope.

This sending carries inherent authority from the Risen Lord Himself, empowering them to represent Christ on Earth. They were called to bear witness to His truth and proclaim His victory over sin and death. This command not only foreshadows the broader Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) but also hints at the essential empowerment that would soon come through the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).

How Does This Verse Connect to the Holy Spirit?

John 20:21 lays the groundwork for a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus gives His disciples their crucial mission, He immediately equips them with divine power. This sequence highlights the inseparable link between our commission from Christ and the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to fulfill God’s will and guides us in proclaiming the Gospel.

Receiving the Holy Spirit (John 20:22)

After giving His disciples their marching orders, Jesus performed a significant and deeply symbolic act. John 20:22 records, "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’" This moment intentionally echoes God’s original act of breathing life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). In the same way, Jesus, as the second Adam, breathes new spiritual life into His followers, signifying a new creation in Christ.

This initial impartation of the Spirit was critical, as it prepared the disciples for their mission while also serving as a foretaste of the full Pentecost experience (Acts 2:1-4). While the Spirit would later descend with power on all believers at Pentecost, this moment represents a personal and immediate empowerment from Jesus for their ministry. Furthermore, it served as an assurance of His continued presence, confirming they would not be sent out alone but would carry His divine life within them.

Ultimately, this verse demonstrates that the Holy Spirit’s presence is essential for carrying out Christ’s commission. He equips believers with the necessary strength, guidance, and power to bear witness to Jesus effectively at every step.

The Authority to Forgive Sins (John 20:23)

Following the impartation of the Spirit, Jesus declared, "If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you retain the sins of anyone, they are retained" (John 20:23). This statement is often misunderstood, so it is crucial to interpret it within its biblical context. Jesus is not granting His disciples the divine authority to personally absolve sins, a power that belongs to God alone (Mark 2:7).

Instead, this authority is directly related to the proclamation of the Gospel. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples were tasked with preaching repentance and forgiveness and declaring the terms of salvation. When people hear this message and respond in faith, their sins are forgiven by God. The disciples, therefore, acted as instruments in this process, announcing the reality of God’s forgiveness made available through Christ’s atoning work.

This authority can be understood through several key points:

Gospel Proclamation: The primary role was to announce that forgiveness of sins is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Declaration of Truth: Based on a person’s response to the Gospel, they could declare the reality of their spiritual state—that those who confess Christ are forgiven, while those who reject Him remain in their sins.
Church Discipline: The principle extends to the church’s role in spiritual discernment. Guided by the Spirit, the church has the authority to uphold biblical standards, declare the consequences of unrepentant sin, and outline the path to restoration (Matthew 18:18).
Spirit-Led Discernment: All of this is possible only because the Holy Spirit enables believers to discern spiritual truth and apply God’s Word faithfully.

Therefore, John 20:23 underscores the church’s Spirit-empowered mission to proclaim God’s forgiveness to a lost world. This authority is not a personal power to absolve sin but rather the responsibility to faithfully declare God’s truth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, this declaration serves as a compelling call for all people to find repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

How Does This Commission Apply to Believers Today?

Diverse group of people engaging in community service with warm expressions. — Professional photography, photorealistic, high-quality stock photo style. A diverse group of four to five real human subjects, including men and women of various ages and ethnicities, are engaged in a compassionate community service activity. They could be interacting kindly with people at a food bank, organizing books for a literacy program, or sharing a moment of encouragement. Their expressions are genuine, warm, and purposeful, reflecting a spirit of faith and service. The setting is clean and well-lit, like a community center or a bright urban park. Focus on genuine human connection and collaborative effort. NO AI-looking renders, NO illustrations. Professional photography, sharp focus on subjects.

Living as ‘Sent Ones’ in Our Daily Lives

In John 20:21, Jesus gives a powerful call to action: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This declaration transforms believers from mere followers into “sent ones.” It means our lives hold a divine purpose, commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself.

This mission isn’t reserved for special occasions; it extends to our everyday existence. Our homes, workplaces, and communities become our mission fields. In everything we do, we represent Jesus—a profound responsibility and an incredible privilege.

To live as a “sent one” means embodying Christ’s love and truth, reflecting His character to a watching world. Our actions and words become a testament to His saving power. As we fulfill our calling to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.

Practical ways to live as ‘sent ones’ include:

Showing Christ’s love: Act with compassion and kindness towards others, letting God’s love flow through you (1 John 4:7-8).
Speaking truth in love: Share the Gospel message when opportunities arise, doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Serving others selflessly: Emulate Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Look for needs around you and meet them.
Living with integrity: Align your life with your faith, as this builds trust and credibility. Ensure every action honors Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
Praying for our spheres: Intercede for your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Ask God to open their hearts.

Sharing the Peace of Christ with the World

After His resurrection, Jesus’ first words to His disciples were, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21). This was no casual greeting but a declaration of a profound spiritual reality: the peace established through His atoning sacrifice. This peace, or ‘shalom’, is a state of wholeness and well-being that comes from being reconciled to God.

As ‘sent ones,’ we are called to share this peace with a world full of unrest, fear, and division. Believers carry the antidote: the true peace that only Christ can give. This is the peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7), calming anxieties and bringing deep assurance.

Therefore, our mission includes being peacemakers and instruments of God’s reconciliation. We are called to bring hope where there is despair and unity where there is conflict. This is a direct application of Jesus’ commission.

We share the peace of Christ by:

Proclaiming the Gospel: The message of Jesus is the ultimate source of peace with God (Romans 5:1). Sharing it offers the path to true reconciliation.
Living peacefully: Strive for harmony in your relationships (Romans 12:18), demonstrating what it means to live in Christ’s peace.
Offering forgiveness: Extend grace and mercy to those who wrong you. This reflects God’s forgiveness towards us (Colossians 3:13).
Comforting the distressed: Bring solace to those who are suffering, pointing them to the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Praying for peace: Ask God to bring His peace into chaotic situations. Pray for world leaders and communities in turmoil (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Walking in the Authority Given by Jesus

When Jesus commissioned His disciples, He also empowered them. He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22), an act that bestowed spiritual authority. This was not worldly power or dominance but the authority to fulfill God’s divine purpose. Today, this same spiritual authority is available to all believers.

Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” before commanding His followers to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, we walk in His delegated authority. This empowers us to overcome spiritual opposition, speak truth against error, and serve God’s Kingdom with confidence.

This authority is not for personal gain but for the advancement of the Gospel. It enables us to live out our calling and participate in God’s redemptive work, operating under the direct command and power of our Risen Lord.

Believers walk in this authority by:

Proclaiming the Word of God: The Bible carries divine authority, so we speak God’s truth with conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Praying with faith: Exercise authority in prayer against spiritual strongholds, believing that God hears and answers (James 5:16).
Living free from sin’s dominion: Through Christ, we have power over sin’s hold (Romans 6:14), enabling us to choose righteousness daily.
Serving the hurting: Jesus gave His followers authority to heal and bring deliverance (Luke 10:19). We serve the needy in His powerful name.
Trusting God’s leading: Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, as He empowers us to do what Jesus commands (Acts 1:8).

Comparing John 20:21 Across Bible Translations

John 20:21 in the KJV, NIV, and ESV

Examining John 20:21 in different Bible translations can enrich our understanding. While each version offers a slightly different lens, they all convey the same core truth. This article compares three widely used translations—the King James Version (KJV), the New International Version (NIV), and the English Standard Version (ESV)—to see how each presents this powerful verse.

Translation	John 20:21 (Text)
King James Version (KJV)	Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. ^[1]
New International Version (NIV)	Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ^[2]
English Standard Version (ESV)	Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ^[3]

Each translation has a distinct approach. The KJV, first published in 1611, is known for its majestic, older English ^[4]. The NIV aims for modern readability by balancing word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation methods ^[5]. Finally, the ESV strives for an essentially literal translation that also respects literary excellence and theological depth ^[6].

Key Similarities and Nuances

Despite their different approaches, these translations uphold the core message of John 20:21. They confirm Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to His disciples and highlight His crucial commission to them.

Here are the primary similarities:

The Greeting of Peace: All three versions begin with Jesus offering “Peace be with you” (or “Peace be unto you”). This greeting reiterates His earlier promise of peace (John 14:27), bringing comfort to His fearful disciples and serving as a profound declaration of His victory over death.
The Divine Analogy: Each translation uses the phrase “As the Father has sent me.” This directly links the disciples’ mission to Jesus’ own divine mission and emphasizes the authority behind their calling.
The Act of Sending: All versions clearly state, “I am sending you” (or “I send you”). This establishes the disciples as ‘sent ones’ (apostles) and provides their mandate for evangelism and ministry.
Jesus’ Authority: By sending His disciples with the Father’s authority, Jesus affirms His own divinity. Only God Incarnate could commission such a profound, world-changing mission.

While the core message remains steadfast, there are subtle nuances in wording:

“Then said Jesus to them again” (KJV) vs. “Again Jesus said” (NIV) vs. “Jesus said to them again” (ESV): These slight variations in sentence structure do not alter the meaning but simply reflect different stylistic choices. The KJV’s “Then said Jesus” uses an older grammatical style, while the NIV and ESV use more contemporary phrasing.
“even so send I you” (KJV) vs. “I am sending you” (NIV, ESV): While the KJV uses the archaic phrasing “send I you,” the NIV and ESV use the modern present progressive “I am sending you.” This subtle shift emphasizes the immediate and ongoing nature of the disciples’ commission, suggesting a present and continuing action.

Ultimately, these translational differences are minor and do not change the verse’s profound meaning. Instead, they offer diverse ways to express the same unchanging truth: the resurrected Lord Jesus commissions His followers. Empowered by His peace and authority, they are to carry on His mission in the world. This message remains constant across all faithful translations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John 21:20 referring to?

John 21:20 refers to “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” a cherished title that consistently points to the Apostle John, the author of the Gospel of John.

This disciple is also described as the one who leaned on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper (John 13:23). This detail not only confirms his identity but also highlights his uniquely close relationship with our Lord.

Throughout his Gospel, John often uses this phrase to humbly refer to himself, emphasizing the deep personal bond he shared with Jesus Christ.

What is the significance of Jesus saying woman behold your son?

This profound statement, found in John 19:26-27, was spoken by Jesus from the cross to His mother, Mary, and the Apostle John.

The significance of this moment is multi-layered, revealing several important truths:

Jesus’ Compassion: Even in His agonizing final hours, Jesus showed immense care for His mother by ensuring her future well-being (John 19:27).
Filial Devotion: This act demonstrates Jesus’ unwavering devotion as a son. In honoring His mother, He fulfilled the Fifth Commandment and revealed His perfect human nature (Exodus 20:12).
A New Family: By entrusting Mary to John’s care, Jesus symbolically extended His family beyond biological ties, forming a new spiritual family united in Christ (Mark 3:35).
John’s Role: This sacred duty highlights John’s special position among the disciples. Jesus specifically chose him to provide comfort and support to Mary in her immense grief.

Ultimately, this moving scene beautifully illustrates Jesus’ love and serves as a perfect example of His compassion and responsibility.

How does John 20:21 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28?

John 20:21 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 are both crucial post-resurrection commands from Jesus. While deeply interconnected, they offer distinct yet complementary aspects of the Christian mission.

In John 20:21, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” This verse focuses on the nature and empowerment of the mission. It establishes that disciples are sent in the same way Jesus was—empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 20:22) and called to live a life that reflects Christ’s ministry on earth.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, on the other hand, details the scope and tasks of the mission. Jesus commands His followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Here is a breakdown of how they relate:

Foundation vs. Application: John 20:21 provides the theological foundation, defining the identity and authority of those being sent. In contrast, Matthew 28 gives the practical application, outlining the specific tasks of the mission.
Internal vs. External: John 20:21 focuses on the internal reality—the spiritual transformation and empowerment necessary for the mission. Matthew 28 provides the external directive to evangelize and teach worldwide.
Authority and Presence: Both passages ground the mission in Jesus’ ultimate authority. John implies it (“as the Father has sent me”), while Matthew states it explicitly (“All authority… has been given to me”). Likewise, both promise His continual presence—implied through the Holy Spirit in John 20:22 and declared directly in Matthew 28:20 (“I am with you always”).

In short, John 20:21 reveals why and how we are sent, while Matthew 28 details what we must do and where we must go. Together, they form a complete picture of Christ’s commission to His Church, calling every believer to participate in His divine mission.