John 20:3

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

Peter {G4074} therefore {G3767} went forth {G1831}, and {G2532} that other {G243} disciple {G3101}, and {G2532} came {G2064} to {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}.

Then Kefa and the other talmid started for the tomb.

Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb.

Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb.

John 20:3 describes the immediate and urgent response of two key disciples, Peter and "that other disciple" (traditionally understood to be John himself), upon hearing Mary Magdalene's astonishing report of an empty tomb on the resurrection morning. This verse sets the scene for their personal investigation into the incredible news.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, Mary Magdalene had discovered the stone rolled away from Jesus' sepulchre and, presuming the body had been taken, ran to inform Peter and John. Their swift departure to the tomb underscores the shock and disbelief that would naturally accompany such a report. The narrative highlights the initial human reaction to something utterly unexpected, moving from hearsay to personal verification.

Key Themes

  • Urgency and Investigation: The disciples' immediate "went forth" demonstrates their compelling need to verify Mary's account. This wasn't a casual stroll but a swift, purposeful journey driven by a mixture of hope, confusion, and perhaps fear, leading directly into their race to the tomb.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: This moment marks the beginning of the disciples' direct encounters with the evidence of Jesus' resurrection. Their personal examination of the empty tomb is crucial for their future role as witnesses to the gospel.
  • The "Other Disciple": John's characteristic way of referring to himself throughout his Gospel, maintaining a humble perspective while emphasizing his presence and close relationship with Jesus, and now, with Peter, at this pivotal moment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "went forth" (Greek: exerchomai - ἐξέρχομαι) simply means to leave or go out from a place. In this context, it conveys the prompt action taken by Peter and John from wherever they were staying after hearing Mary's news. The "sepulchre" (Greek: mnēmeion - μνημεῖον) refers to a memorial or tomb, typically a rock-cut burial place common in that era.

Reflection and Application

The disciples' race to the tomb provides a powerful example of seeking truth and verifying claims, especially those of profound spiritual significance. Their initial response was not blind belief but a desire for personal confirmation, a process that ultimately led them to understand the resurrection. This narrative encourages believers to actively engage with the evidence of faith, to seek understanding, and to allow personal encounter to deepen conviction. Just as Peter and John ran to see for themselves, we are invited to examine the transformative truth of Christ's resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian hope (see 1 Corinthians 15:14).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 24:12

    Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

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