Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”

World English Bible (WEB)

If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”

Strong's King James

Whose{G5100} soever{G302} sins{G266} ye remit{G863}{(G5632)}, they are remitted{G863}{(G5743)} unto them{G846}; and whose{G5100} soever{G302} sins ye retain{G2902}{(G5725)}, they are retained{G2902}{(G5769)}.

The F.O.G *

(23) * If you forgive (let go) the deviating-sins of someone they have been forgiven them. If you seize someone they have been seized.

The F.O.G Message *

[23] "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." He gave them authority to declare the terms of God's forgiveness through the gospel.

Young's Literal Translation

if of any ye may loose the sins, they are loosed to them; if of any ye may retain, they have been retained.’

John 20:23 – F.O.G Commentary

Immediate Context:

John 20:23 is set in the narrative of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to His disciples. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to them and offers a greeting of peace. He then breathes on them, symbolically imparting the Holy Spirit, and commissions them to continue His mission. In this verse, Jesus gives the disciples authority related to forgiveness, indicating the pivotal role they will play in the early church. This event marks a significant transition as the risen Christ empowers His followers for their ministry.

Line (Verse Text):

“If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.” (John 20:23, NASB)

Linked to Verse Media: Suggestions

A suitable visual aid for this verse could be an infographic that explains the significance of Jesus imparting the Holy Spirit to the disciples and the connection between the Holy Spirit and forgiveness. Another option could be a short video depicting the scene where Jesus appears to His disciples, breathes on them, and gives them this unique authority.

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Unique Insights:

The Greek words for “forgive” (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi) and “retain” (κρατέω, krateō) have deep meanings. “Aphiēmi” suggests releasing or letting go of something, indicating a complete dismissal of sin. “Krateō” implies holding onto or keeping in one’s possession, signifying that the consequences of sin remain. Jesus’ statement involves a profound spiritual authority that reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in the process of repentance and forgiveness, showing the link between divine grace and human responsibility.

Major Biblical Themes:

• Forgiveness of Sins: This verse directly addresses the theme of forgiveness, a core aspect of the gospel message. It emphasizes the role of the church in proclaiming forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

• Authority Given to the Church: It highlights the delegated authority Jesus gives to His disciples, extending to the body of believers, to carry out the mission of reconciliation.

• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The impartation of the Holy Spirit in the preceding verse (John 20:22) empowers the disciples to exercise this authority.

Important Theology:

John 20:23 introduces the concept of the church’s partnering with God’s mission to offer forgiveness of sins. This authority is not inherent in the disciples themselves but is a responsibility granted by Christ through the Holy Spirit. It shows the intersection of divine sovereignty and human agency in the administration of grace. The verse ties into the broader theological theme of the church as the body of Christ, continuing His mission on earth. Additionally, it reflects the priesthood of believers, where Christians are called to minister reconciliation.

Noteworthy Echoes:

• Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven.” This verse parallels the concept of spiritual authority granted to the disciples.

• Matthew 18:18: “Whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” This echo emphasizes the church’s role in discerning matters of forgiveness and discipline.

• 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “God… reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Paul speaks of the role of believers in proclaiming reconciliation with God, which aligns with the authority to forgive or retain sins.

Application Insight:

John 20:23 calls believers to take the message of forgiveness seriously, understanding the gravity and grace involved in proclaiming God’s mercy. Practically, this means being intentional about sharing the gospel, offering forgiveness to others, and addressing unrepentant sin within the community. An actionable step would be to engage in regular practices of confession and forgiveness, both in personal life and communal worship, reflecting the reconciliation offered through Christ.

Thoughtful Reflection:

How does understanding the authority to forgive or retain sins shape your view of the church’s mission and your personal responsibility in sharing the message of reconciliation?

Enlightening Facts:

1. In Jewish tradition, only God could forgive sins (Mark 2:7). Jesus’ delegation of this authority to His disciples signifies a shift in how God’s forgiveness is mediated through church individuals who are one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17

2. The connection between the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive suggests that the church’s exercise of this authority is dependent on the guidance and empowerment of the Spirit.

3. Early church practices included public confession and communal absolution, reflecting the corporate nature of forgiveness emphasized in this verse.

John 20:23