John 20:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.

NIV: So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.

NASB: So Peter and the other disciple left, and they were going to the tomb.

CSB: At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.

NLT: Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb.

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

NKJV: Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.

This section gives details that correspond to what we know of Peter and John (John 13:23; 20:2). Peter is known for his impulsiveness. It makes sense that he would be running to Jesus' grave site (John 20:4). However, John is believed to have been the youngest of the disciples, partly explaining why he could outrun Peter and arrive first. However, John will hesitate at the opening of the grave while Peter, with characteristic intensity, will walk right in (John 20:4–6).

The men are rushing to Jesus' burial site because of what Mary Magdalene has reported (John 20:1–2). The formerly-sealed grave (Matthew 27:62–66) is lying open, and Jesus' body is not there.

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.

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.

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.

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 5/5/2024 12:51:37 PM