John 20:22

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:22 (KJV)

Context

John 20:22 takes place on the evening of the resurrection day. The disciples are gathered behind locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders, and the risen Jesus appears among them. He has shown them His hands and His side, proving His identity, and has given them His peace and commission: “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).

The verse begins with “And when he had said this,” pointing back to that commission. Jesus then “breathed on them” and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.“

Meaning

The act of breathing is significant. The Greek word used here, emphysao, is the same word used in the Greek translation of Genesis 2:7, where God breathed into Adam the breath of life. Jesus’ breath recalls the original creation and signals a new creation in Him. Just as God gave physical life to Adam, Christ imparts spiritual life to His followers through the Spirit.

The command “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” is an invitation and a gift. By breathing on them, Jesus imparts the Spirit in a personal, intimate way, signifying the giving of spiritual life and power. This moment is distinct from the Spirit’s indwelling at conversion and from the fuller outpouring at Pentecost, yet it is a real impartation that equips the disciples for the mission Jesus has just given them.

Biblical connections

This event foreshadows the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers. Jesus’ breath here anticipates that fuller outpouring, which would fulfill His promise of the Comforter (John 14:16-17, 26). The Spirit’s role in regeneration is also seen in Jesus’ words to Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit (John 3:5-8).

Application

Although this event was specific to the first disciples, the invitation to receive the Holy Spirit applies to all believers today. The Spirit empowers and guides Christians, convicts of sin, reveals truth, and distributes spiritual gifts for service. Believers today are likewise called to rely on the Spirit for strength, guidance, and empowerment in the Christian walk.

Reflection

The disciples, who had been hiding in fear, are now commissioned and empowered to go into the world. This verse reminds us of the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit as we follow Christ faithfully, recognizing that the Spirit is not a distant force but a personal presence who indwells and empowers us for mission and for a deepening relationship with God.