JOHN 20. THE COMING OF THE RISEN LORD. John 20:1. The Empty Tomb. The gospel, as contrasted with the Appendix (John 20:21), follows what is now generally known as the Jerusalem tradition, which makes Jerusalem and not Galilee the scene of the appearance to the disciples. It is often assumed that the... [ Continue Reading ]
JESUS AND MARY. Mary has apparently followed the two disciples back to the tomb. After their departure she looks in, and sees a vision of angels (_cf._ Luke 24:4 ff.). Her thoughts are still full of the removal of the body, as her answer to the supposed gardener also shows. As usual, there is no exp... [ Continue Reading ]
THE COMING TO THE DISCIPLES. The first Christian Sunday is spent in Jerusalem, where the disciples are in hiding. The interpretation of Mark 14:50 as implying an immediate flight of the apostles to Galilee is purely conjectural. The account of the first appearance to the disciples is told so as to e... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN 20:30 F. THE CONCLUSION OF THE GOSPEL. In these words, which are clearly meant to form the conclusion of the whole gospel and not merely of the last chapter, the writer explains his purpose and method. Of the many significant deeds and words of Jesus which His disciples saw and heard he has cho... [ Continue Reading ]