John 20:22

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Upon saying this, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said to them, “[Be willing to] receive the Holy Spirit.” [Note: This “breathing” served as a pledge of the Holy Spirit which actually came on these apostles a few weeks later. See Acts 1:5-8; 2:4].

Cross References

Acts 19:2

He asked them, “Did [any of] you receive the [indwelling] Holy Spirit when you became believers [in Jesus]?” They answered him, “No, we have never [even] heard that there was a Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:15

When these two apostles had come [to Samaria] they prayed for some [of the disciples] to receive [miraculous power from] the Holy Spirit,

Acts 2:38

And Peter replied, “Every one of you must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ [i.e., by His authority] so that your sins will be forgiven [by God] and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [to live in your hearts].

Acts 2:4

And they [i.e., the apostles] were all filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit and began to speak [“the mighty accomplishments of God,” See verse 11] in different languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability.

John 7:39

Now He said this about the Holy Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive [See Acts 2:38]. For [at that time] the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, since Jesus had not yet received splendor [in heaven].

Galatians 3:2

The only thing I would like to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Holy Spirit [into your lives] by [meeting the requirements of] the Law of Moses or by hearing [and obeying the message] of faith [in Christ]?

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed them, saying, “Rulers and elders of the people,

Acts 10:47

“Who can keep these people [i.e., Cornelius’ household] from being immersed in water now that they have received the Holy Spirit just like we [apostles] have?” [See 2:4].

John 15:26

And you will give testimony about me [also], because you men have been with me from the beginning [of my ministry].”

John 14:16

“And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper [i.e., besides me], who will be with you forever.

John 16:7

Yet I am telling you the truth: It will be helpful to you for me to go away. For unless I go, the Helper [i.e., the Holy Spirit] will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.

John 20:21

Jesus said to them again, “May there be peace in your hearts. Just as the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

John 20:23

Whosever sins you forgive, they will be forgiven [by God]. And whosever sins you do not forgive, they will not be forgiven [by God].” [Note: Actual forgiveness would result only when people personally responded, by faith, to the Gospel message. See Acts 2:37-38].