John 20:8

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Then {G5119}{G3767} went in {G1525} also {G2532} that other {G243} disciple {G3101}, which {G3588} came {G2064} first {G4413} to {G1519} the sepulchre {G3419}, and {G2532} he saw {G1492}, and {G2532} believed {G4100}.

Then the other talmid, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in; he saw, and he trusted.

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in. And he saw and believed.

Then entered in therefore the other disciple also, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed.

Commentary

John 20:8 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, describing the immediate impact of the empty tomb on John, "the other disciple." It states, "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." This verse highlights the transition from bewilderment to profound faith based on compelling evidence.

Context

This verse follows directly from Mary Magdalene's discovery of the empty tomb and her subsequent report to Simon Peter and John (John 20:2). Hearing the news, Peter and John immediately race to the sepulchre (John 20:3-4). John, being younger and swifter, arrives first but waits for Peter. Peter enters, observing the linen clothes lying there and the napkin folded separately (John 20:6-7). It is only after Peter's initial inspection that John enters, and his observation leads directly to belief.

Key Themes

  • Eyewitness Evidence Leading to Belief: John's belief was not based on seeing the resurrected Christ at this moment, but on the compelling physical evidence within the tomb. The orderly arrangement of the grave clothes, particularly the napkin folded in its own place, suggested not a chaotic robbery (where thieves would likely strip the body and leave the clothes in disarray) but a deliberate, supernatural departure. This physical proof served as a powerful catalyst for faith.
  • The Nature of Early Disciples' Faith: This is the first recorded instance of a disciple believing in the resurrection based on the evidence of the empty tomb, even before seeing Jesus alive. It underscores that God often provides sufficient, though not always overwhelming, evidence for faith.
  • John's Unique Insight: As "the disciple whom Jesus loved," John often possessed a deeper understanding and receptiveness to spiritual truths. His immediate belief contrasts with the initial confusion or doubt of others, setting the stage for the broader understanding of Christ's triumph over death.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "saw" in "he saw, and believed" is eiden (from horao), which signifies more than a casual glance (like blepo, used for Peter's initial observation in John 20:5). Eiden implies a seeing that leads to understanding, comprehension, or insight. John didn't just observe the scene; he perceived its profound meaning. This perception then directly led to his act of "believed" (episteusen), indicating a decisive, personal acceptance of the truth of the resurrection.

Practical Application

John's experience in the tomb offers several timeless insights. It reminds us that faith is often a journey that begins with examining the evidence. While we do not have the privilege of standing in the empty tomb, the historical accounts and transformed lives of the apostles serve as powerful testimonies to the resurrection. This verse encourages us to look for God's fingerprints in the world and in our lives, allowing evidence to strengthen our faith. Ultimately, like John, we are called to move from mere observation to a profound belief in the reality of Christ's victory over death, which is the cornerstone of Christian hope and our own newness of life.

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Cross-References

  • John 20:25 (3 votes)

    The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

  • John 20:4 (3 votes)

    So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

  • John 1:50 (2 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

  • John 20:29 (2 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.