John 20:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} to them {G846} again {G3825}, Peace {G1515} be unto you {G5213}: as {G2531} my Father {G3962} hath sent {G649} me {G3165}, even so {G2504} send {G3992} I {G2504} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.”

Berean Standard Bible

Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:21 captures a profound post-resurrection moment where Jesus, having appeared to His fearful disciples, reiterates His gift of peace and then formally commissions them. This verse establishes a direct parallel between His own divine mission, given by the Father, and the mission He now entrusts to His followers, marking the foundational mandate for the Church's ongoing work in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration occurs on the evening of the resurrection day, immediately following Jesus' first appearance to His disciples who were gathered in a locked room, consumed by fear of the Jewish authorities ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). Jesus' initial greeting of "Peace be unto you" in [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' First Greeting") is repeated here, emphasizing its significance as more than a mere salutation. The verse then transitions directly into the core of their future ministry, setting the stage for the imparting of the Holy Spirit in the very next verse ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Imparts the Holy Spirit")). This sequence highlights that Christ's peace is a prerequisite and empowerment for the mission He bestows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples' fear was palpable and justified, given the recent crucifixion of their Master and the animosity of the Jewish leaders. In Jewish culture, the greeting "Peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) was far more than a casual wish; it encompassed wholeness, well-being, reconciliation, and prosperity. When Jesus bestows this peace, He is offering a profound spiritual reality that transcends their immediate circumstances. Furthermore, the concept of a "sent one" (Hebrew: *shaliach*) was well-understood: an emissary carried the full authority and representation of the one who sent him, making the *shaliach*'s words and actions as binding as the sender's. This cultural understanding illuminates the weight of Jesus' commission.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:21 is rich with foundational themes. The **Divine Peace** offered by Jesus is central, providing inner tranquility and reconciliation with God, essential for overcoming the disciples' fear and enabling their bold proclamation. This peace is a gift of the new covenant, distinct from worldly peace. Secondly, the verse articulates the **Apostolic Commission**, directly delegating authority and purpose to the disciples. This echoes and expands upon the themes of mission found throughout Jesus' ministry, foreshadowing what is often called [the Great Commission](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Representation**: just as Jesus was sent by the Father with full authority, so too are the disciples sent by Jesus, acting as His authorized representatives in the world, carrying His message and embodying His character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb (G2036) means "to speak or say" (by word or writing). In this context, it signifies a formal declaration or pronouncement by Jesus, not merely a casual remark. It underscores the authoritative nature of His words of peace and commission.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to join" (G1515), *eirḗnē* denotes peace in a comprehensive sense—literally or figuratively. It implies wholeness, reconciliation, tranquility, and by extension, prosperity. Here, it is the profound spiritual peace that Christ alone provides, addressing the disciples' fear and establishing the foundation for their mission.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb (G649) means "to set apart" or "to send out," specifically "on a mission." It implies being a delegate or messenger with a specific task and the backing of the sender. This is the root of the English word "apostle," highlighting the weighty and authoritative nature of the disciples' future ministry as Christ's authorized representatives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:"**: This opening phrase signifies a renewed emphasis on the peace Jesus had already offered (cf. [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' Initial Greeting of Peace")). It is not merely a polite greeting but a profound bestowal of the spiritual peace that flows from His finished work on the cross, calming their fears and establishing their hearts in His divine presence. This peace is foundational for any subsequent mission.
* **"as my Father hath sent me,"**: This clause establishes the divine precedent and ultimate authority for Jesus' own earthly ministry. His mission was not self-initiated but originated from God the Father, underscoring His unique relationship with the Father and the divine backing for all His actions and teachings. It highlights the perfect obedience and divine purpose inherent in Christ's sending.
* **"even so send I you."**: This is the pivotal commissioning statement. The phrase "even so" (Greek: *kathṓs*...*kagṓ*) creates a direct, analogous relationship between Jesus' mission from the Father and the disciples' mission from Jesus. It signifies that the disciples are to continue Jesus' work in the world, carrying His message, embodying His character, and operating with His delegated authority. Their mission is a direct extension of His own, making them His authorized representatives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition**, as Jesus reiterates "Peace be unto you" from [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' First Greeting"), which underscores the profound importance of this spiritual gift as a prerequisite for mission and as a counter to the disciples' fear. The most prominent device is **Analogy** or **Simile**, conveyed through the comparative phrase "as... even so." This direct comparison between the Father's sending of Jesus and Jesus' sending of the disciples highlights the continuity of divine mission and the delegated authority conferred upon the disciples. This is also a form of **Commissioning Language**, where the verb "send" (specifically *apostéllō*) acts as a formal, authoritative act of delegation, transforming the disciples from followers into authorized emissaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:21 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the Church's identity and mission. It reveals that the Church is not a self-initiated human organization but a divinely commissioned body, participating in the ongoing mission of God. Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world to reconcile humanity to Himself, Jesus now sends His followers to continue that work of reconciliation and witness. This implies a profound responsibility to represent Christ accurately, embodying His character and proclaiming His message with the same peace and authority He bestowed. The mission is not about personal ambition but about faithfully extending the kingdom of God, empowered by Christ's presence and the Holy Spirit.

* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")
* [2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 20:21 is a powerful reminder that every believer is "sent" by Christ into the world. Our Christian walk is not merely about personal salvation but about active participation in God's redemptive plan. To be "sent" means to live as Christ's ambassadors, reflecting His peace, embodying His love, and sharing His truth in our daily lives. This calls us to cultivate the peace of Christ within us, allowing it to quell our fears and anxieties, so that we might boldly and faithfully represent Him. Our mission, like His, is to seek and save the lost, to bring light into darkness, and to extend the transforming power of the Gospel to those around us. This requires a life of intentional discipleship, empowered by the Holy Spirit, living out the reality of Christ's peace and purpose in every sphere of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the peace Christ offers in this verse enable you to overcome personal fears or anxieties in your own life and ministry?**
* **In what specific ways can you embody Christ's mission and character in your daily interactions, just as He embodied the Father's?**
* **What does it mean for you, personally, to be "sent" by Jesus, and how does this understanding shape your priorities and actions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Peace be unto you" being repeated in John 20:21?**

Answer: The repetition of "Peace be unto you" (first stated in [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' First Greeting")) is highly significant. It is more than a mere greeting; it is a profound bestowal of spiritual peace. First, it directly addresses the disciples' palpable fear and anxiety in the locked room, offering them the tranquility and security that only Christ can provide. Second, it signifies reconciliation and wholeness, stemming from Jesus' accomplished work on the cross. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God's *shalom*, a state of well-being and right relationship with God. It is a foundational gift that empowers them to move beyond fear and embrace the daunting mission that Jesus is about to entrust to them, making it a prerequisite for their apostolic calling.

**How does the phrase "as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" define the disciples' mission?**

Answer: This phrase is the core of the apostolic commission, establishing a direct and profound parallel between Jesus' own divine mission and the mission He delegates to His followers. It defines the disciples' mission in several crucial ways:
* **Derivative Authority:** Their sending is not self-initiated but derives directly from Jesus' own authority, which in turn came from the Father. They are not acting on their own accord but as His authorized representatives.
* **Analogous Purpose:** The "as... even so" implies that their mission is analogous in nature and purpose to His. Just as Jesus came to reveal the Father, proclaim the kingdom, and reconcile humanity, so too are the disciples sent to continue this work.
* **Representation:** They are to be His living embodiment in the world, carrying His message, demonstrating His love, and living out His character. Their actions and words are to reflect Him, just as His reflected the Father.
* **Empowerment:** While the verse itself speaks of the commission, the subsequent verse ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit")) shows that this sending is accompanied by the impartation of the Holy Spirit, providing the necessary power for this divinely appointed task.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:21 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the ultimate "Sent One" from the Father, and His commissioning of the disciples as an extension of His finished work. Jesus' entire earthly ministry was defined by His being sent by the Father ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son into the World"), [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus' Works Testify of Him")). He perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, culminating in His death, resurrection, and the provision of true peace through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). The peace He bestows upon His disciples is the peace secured by His victory over sin and death, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). Therefore, when Jesus says, "even so send I you," He is not merely delegating a task, but inviting His followers to participate in the very mission of God, empowered by His completed work and His indwelling Spirit. The disciples, and by extension the Church, are sent to proclaim the good news of *Him*—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the only name by which humanity can be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Their sending is a direct consequence and continuation of Christ's own divine sending, making His person and work the very content and power of their mission.

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 17:18

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.