The gift of the Spirit.

Jn 20:19-23

The background would be appropriate to Christians in time of persecution. In this passage and 26-29 we have the atmosphere of worship – the presence of the Lord, the Peace, confession of the faith, a benediction. Unlike Luke, John has no Acts to follow and this may be his substitute for Pentecost. The glorified Jesus, who is identical with the Jesus of the Ministry, commissions the disciples and bestows the Spirit, which is himself.

breathed suggests the new Creation, cp. Gen. 2 1.

whose ... forgive. Traditionally taken of the Sacrament of Penance, but admission to Baptism will be the primary thought. The Jewish phraseology of Mt. 18:18 is universalised. See 2 Cor. 2:10 for forgiveness imparted by the local Church and confirmed by the Apostle-founder.