ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν. The words imply a sudden appearance. The Eleven, with the exception of Thomas the Twin, were sitting at supper with the doors closed through their fear of the Jews (John 20:19). This is one of the most remarkable appearances of the Risen Christ. His intercourse with them on this occasion consisted of a greeting (36); a reproach and consolation (38; Mark 16:14); a demonstration of the reality of His person (39–43; John 20:20); an opening of their understandings (44–46); an appointment of the Apostles to the ministries of remission and witness (47, 48; John 19:21; John 19:23); a promise of the Spirit, for the fulfilment of which they were to wait in Jerusalem (49). At the close of this great scene He once more pronounced the benediction of Peace, and breathed on them with the words ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22). The fulness with which St Luke has narrated this appearance led him to omit some of the other appearances. See on Luke 24:49.

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Old Testament