Joh 20:19-26 | JFB | STEP | 19-23. the same day at evening, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus-- plainly not by the ordinary way of entrance. and saith unto them Peace be unto you-- not the mere wish that even His own exalted peace might be theirs ( ), but conveying it into their hearts, even as He "opened their understandings to understand the scriptures" ( ).

‏ John 20:19-26

Joh 20:19-23. Jesus Appears to the Assembled Disciples.

19-23. the same day at evening, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus--plainly not by the ordinary way of entrance.

and saith unto them Peace be unto you--not the mere wish that even His own exalted peace might be theirs (Joh 14:27), but conveying it into their hearts, even as He "opened their understandings to understand the scriptures" (Lu 24:45).

Joh 20:24-29. Jesus Again Appears to the Assembled Disciples.

24-25. But Thomas--(See on Joh 11:16).

was not with them when Jesus came--why, we know not, though we are loath to think (with Stier, Alford and Luthardt) it was intentional, from sullen despondency. The fact merely is here stated, as a loving apology for his slowness of belief.

26-29. And after eight days--that is, on the eighth, or first day of the preceding week. They probably met every day during the preceding week, but their Lord designedly reserved His second appearance among them till the recurrence of His resurrection day, that He might thus inaugurate the delightful sanctities of THE Lord's Day (Re 1:10).

disciples were within, and Thomas with them ... Jesus ... stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.