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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} the same {G1565} day {G2250} at evening {G3798}, being {G5607} the first {G3391} day of the week {G4521}, when {G2532} the doors {G2374} were shut {G2808} where {G3699} the disciples {G3101} were {G2258} assembled {G4863} for {G1223} fear {G5401} of the Jews {G2453}, came {G2064} Jesus {G2424} and {G2532} stood {G2476} in {G1519} the midst {G3319}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Peace {G1515} be unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!”

Berean Standard Bible

It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them.

American Standard Version

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the firstdayof the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
On the evening of the first Easter Sunday, the very day of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples who were gathered behind locked doors in Jerusalem. Overcome with fear of the Jewish authorities, they were in a state of deep apprehension. Suddenly, Jesus stood supernaturally in their midst, dispelling their terror with His first words, a profound declaration of peace, thereby initiating a new phase of His post-resurrection ministry by comforting and commissioning His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 20:19 immediately follows the accounts of the empty tomb and Jesus' individual appearances to Mary Magdalene and Peter. Earlier in the day, Mary had brought the news of the empty tomb to Peter and John, who then confirmed it for themselves ([John 20:1-10](/john/20-1-10 "John 20:1-10 - The Empty Tomb")). Jesus then appeared to Mary Magdalene, commissioning her to tell the disciples of His ascension to the Father ([John 20:11-18](/john/20-11-18 "John 20:11-18 - Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene")). This verse marks Jesus' first collective appearance to a group of His disciples, setting the stage for their commissioning and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit in the subsequent verses ([John 20:21-23](/john/20-21-23 "John 20:21-23 - Jesus Commissions the Disciples and Gives the Holy Spirit")). It signifies a pivotal moment where the scattered and fearful disciples begin to grasp the reality and implications of the resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, likely in an upper room, on the evening of the first day of the week, which for Jews would have been a Sunday after the Sabbath. The disciples' fear of "the Jews" refers specifically to the Jewish religious authorities—the Sanhedrin, chief priests, and Pharisees—who had orchestrated Jesus' crucifixion and were actively hostile towards His followers. Following the public execution of their leader, the disciples would have been acutely aware of the danger they faced, fearing arrest, persecution, or even death. Locking the doors was a common and necessary precaution in a climate of intense political and religious tension. The greeting "Peace be unto you" (Hebrew: *Shalom Aleichem*) was a customary salutation in Jewish culture, conveying a wish for holistic well-being, but in Jesus' mouth, especially after His resurrection, it takes on a profound, divine significance, offering not just a wish but a bestowal of spiritual peace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **reality and nature of the resurrection**, demonstrating Jesus' triumph over physical limitations and death, as He appears in a locked room. This miraculous appearance confirms His living presence and divine power. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine presence and comfort amidst human fear and despair**. Despite the disciples' hiding and apprehension, Jesus actively seeks them out, bringing solace and reassurance. Thirdly, the declaration of "Peace be unto you" introduces the theme of **Jesus' gift of peace**, which He had promised them prior to His crucifixion ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Promises Peace")). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound spiritual wholeness and reconciliation, foundational to their future mission. Finally, it sets the stage for the **commissioning of the disciples** and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, transforming them from a fearful group into bold witnesses of the resurrected Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** From G5401, denoting "alarm or fright." In this context, it describes the profound apprehension and terror experienced by the disciples due to the persecution from the Jewish authorities. This fear was not merely a slight anxiety but a deep-seated dread that compelled them to hide and lock themselves away, highlighting the perilous environment they perceived themselves to be in after Jesus' crucifixion.
* **Came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** From G2064, meaning "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." Here, it describes Jesus' sudden and unhindered appearance. The verb signifies an active, intentional movement, emphasizing that Jesus initiated this encounter with His disciples, demonstrating His sovereign control and desire to be with them, regardless of physical barriers.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** From G1515, implying "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity; quietness, rest, + set at one again." This word, though a common greeting, carries immense theological weight in Jesus' mouth. It signifies not just the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, spiritual tranquility, reconciliation with God, and inner calm, which Jesus bestows upon His terrified disciples, directly contrasting their state of *phóbos*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week":** This clause precisely dates the event to Sunday evening, the very day of Jesus' resurrection. It emphasizes the immediacy of Jesus' appearance after His victory over death, highlighting the new creation inaugurated by His resurrection. The "first day of the week" also points forward to the Christian practice of gathering on the Lord's Day.
* **"when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews":** This describes the disciples' perilous and fearful circumstances. The "shut doors" (Greek: *kleíō*, G2808) underscore their attempt to secure themselves from external threats, particularly from "the Jews" (G2453, referring to the hostile religious authorities). Their assembly was not for celebration but for protection, driven by deep "fear" (G5401). This detail heightens the dramatic impact of Jesus' sudden appearance.
* **"came Jesus and stood in the midst":** This is the miraculous core of the verse. Jesus' arrival is not by conventional means; He simply "came" (G2064, *érchomai*) and "stood" (G2476, *hístēmi*) supernaturally "in the midst" (G3319, *mésos*) of them. This demonstrates the transformed nature of His resurrected body, which is no longer bound by material limitations, and His divine authority over physical space. His presence in their "midst" signifies His intimate and accessible presence among His followers.
* **"and saith unto them, ‹Peace [be] unto you.›":** These are Jesus' first words to the assembled disciples, a profound declaration of "Peace" (G1515, *eirḗnē*). Far more than a mere greeting, it is a divine bestowal of the very peace He promised them before His crucifixion. This declaration directly addresses and counters their fear, offering spiritual solace, wholeness, and reconciliation, initiating a transformation from terror to tranquility.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent as the disciples, locked away in fear, are met by the very one they feared was lost, and He appears supernaturally, rendering their physical barriers meaningless. The "shut doors" serve as **Symbolism** for the disciples' spiritual state—their fear, isolation, and lack of understanding—which Jesus transcends with His presence. His sudden appearance is a form of **Theophany**, a divine manifestation that reveals His resurrected glory and power. The repetition of "Peace be unto you" (later in [John 20:21](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Repeats His Greeting of Peace")) functions as **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the profound importance of this gift of peace, which is central to their comfort and future mission. The contrast between the disciples' "fear" and Jesus' declaration of "peace" creates a powerful **Antithesis**, underscoring the transformative power of His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:19 is a foundational text revealing the nature of the resurrected Christ and the immediate impact of His victory over death on His followers. It illustrates that Jesus' resurrection body is not merely resuscitated but transformed, capable of appearing unhindered by physical barriers, thereby confirming His divine power and authority. His immediate act of offering "peace" to His terrified disciples underscores that His resurrection brings not judgment for their abandonment, but profound reconciliation and comfort. This peace, *eirḗnē*, is the holistic well-being and spiritual tranquility that flows from His accomplished work on the cross, a peace that transcends fear and worldly circumstances. It is the very peace He promised them before His crucifixion, now tangibly delivered, establishing the new covenant reality where His presence brings ultimate security and purpose.

* [Luke 24:36](/luke/24-36 "Luke 24:36 - Jesus Appears to Disciples, Offers Peace")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 20:19 offers immense comfort and profound theological insight for believers in every age. Just as Jesus appeared to His disciples in their locked room of fear, He also meets us in our places of anxiety, doubt, and spiritual confinement. No barrier, whether physical or emotional, can separate us from His presence. Our fears, anxieties, and the "locked doors" of our lives—be they self-imposed limitations, external pressures, or the lingering effects of past failures—are no match for the resurrected Christ. His declaration of "Peace be unto you" reminds us that true peace is found in Him alone, regardless of external circumstances. This peace is not merely the absence of trouble, but a profound spiritual wholeness and assurance that He is sovereign and present. This verse encourages us to remember that even when we feel alone, afraid, or overwhelmed by the world's hostility, the resurrected Christ is with us, offering His divine peace, overcoming our deepest fears, and empowering us for His mission. We are called to open our hearts, even when our circumstances dictate otherwise, and receive the peace that only He can give.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "locked doors" or fears are currently holding you captive, preventing you from fully experiencing Christ's peace?**
* **How does Jesus' supernatural appearance in a locked room challenge your understanding of His power and presence in your life today?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' greeting of "Peace be unto you" address your specific anxieties, and how can you more fully embrace this divine gift?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus appearing in a locked room?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus appearing in a locked room is multifaceted. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the transformed nature of His resurrected body. He is no longer bound by physical limitations, proving His victory over death and the grave is complete and supernatural. This confirms that His body is glorified, capable of transcending material barriers, yet still physical enough to be touched and to eat ([Luke 24:39-43](/luke/24-39-43 "Luke 24:39-43 - Jesus Eats with Disciples")). Secondly, it highlights His divine sovereignty and omnipresence, showing that no human barrier or fear can prevent Him from reaching His disciples. He actively seeks them out in their place of hiding to bring comfort and reassurance, emphasizing His commitment to His followers even in their weakness and fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:19 profoundly reveals the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament promises and foreshadows the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' appearance in the locked room, offering "Peace be unto you," is the ultimate realization of the peace (shalom) longed for throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. This is not merely a temporary cessation of hostilities, but the holistic, redemptive peace that flows from His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")) who has broken down the wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) between God and humanity, and between people. His resurrected presence, transcending physical barriers, foreshadows His continuous spiritual presence with His church until the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus Promises His Presence")). Furthermore, His bestowal of peace immediately precedes His giving of the Holy Spirit ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes on Them the Holy Spirit")), demonstrating that true peace is an inward reality empowered by the Spirit, enabling believers to overcome fear and live as His witnesses in a hostile world, just as the disciples were transformed from hiding in fear to boldly proclaiming the gospel ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 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.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Luke 24:36

¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

Luke 24:49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Ephesians 2:14

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

2 Thessalonians 3:16

¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.