What does John 20:10 mean?
ESV: Then the disciples went back to their homes.
NIV: Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
NASB: So the disciples went away again to their own homes.
CSB: Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.
NLT: Then they went home.
KJV: Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
NKJV: Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
Verse Commentary:
Peter and John were told, many times, that Jesus would rise from the dead after being executed (John 2:19–22; Mark 9:31; Luke 18:33; 24:46). Those who read these accounts, after two thousand years, might wonder how they could struggle to understand. In the moment, however, they have not yet put all those details together. They came to investigate an empty grave (John 20:1–6), only to see a unique detail (John 20:7–8). The carefully folded face cloth seems to have sparked John's understanding, making him "believe," in whatever sense, that Jesus is alive.
Clearly, neither Peter nor John have fully absorbed the idea that Jesus is physically resurrected. They will return to their homes, and continue to live in a timid, fearful mood (John 20:19). It seems they say nothing of their thoughts to Mary Magdalene, who will remain behind (John 20:11). Jesus will soon appear to them, making all things clear (John 20:20–22).
Verse Context:
John 20:1–10 includes the first moments in which Jesus' followers realize He has been resurrected. Mary Magdalene brings Peter and John to the grave after finding it open. John sees the empty grave wrappings and realizes what has happened. Mary will remain behind and encounter a pair of angels, as well as Jesus, soon after. John's chosen details complement those found in Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, and Luke 24:1–12.
Chapter Summary:
Peter and John get a report from Mary Magdalene that Jesus' body is gone. They arrive to find an open grave, and empty grave clothes, along with a folded face cloth. When the two men leave, Mary remains and suddenly encounters a resurrected Jesus. Though she tells the others, they resist believing until they see Jesus in person. Thomas is especially stubborn, and Jesus remarks on how blessed they are to have been given so much proof. John points out that his writing is meant to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, arranged to encourage those who read to come to faith.
Chapter Context:
Most of Jesus' disciples scattered and hid when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56). Only John and some women were present to see His death and burial (John 19:26–30, 41–42; Matthew 27:60–61). When Jesus' tomb is seen empty, there is further confusion. Jesus appears to His followers, proving that He is alive, and remarking that they are blessed to have so much proof. John will complete his account in the next chapter with another encounter and more reminders about the nature of his writing.
Book Summary:
The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.
Accessed 5/6/2024 9:37:13 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
