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John 20:19

KJV

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Read it in context Jesus and the gathered disciples
Start reading at John 20:19 (John 20:19 to John 20:29). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

The appearances address fear and Thomas' demand to see, joining the risen Lord's presence with commission and a blessing on those who believe without seeing.

  1. 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
  2. 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
  3. 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
  4. 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
  5. 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
  6. 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
  7. 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
  8. 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
  9. 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
  10. 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
  11. 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: John 20:19, John 20:29, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31

Who wrote it, and how we know

John the apostle Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them. John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated

There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

John

The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.

John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31

The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18

FocusRevelation and life

Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation
The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54

FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation

Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation
Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42

FocusLife, light, and the shepherd

Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation
The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50

FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death

Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation
Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26

FocusLove, abiding, and prayer

Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation
Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25 You are here · 20:19

FocusThe finished work and risen Lord

Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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