Why Did Jesus Breathe On His Disciples ...

[Yesua888]

​

The Greek word used for "breathed" in John 20:22 (emphysaō) is the same word used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (Septuagint) for God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7, highlighting the profound connection between these two events.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit​

​

Jesus personally gave the gift of the Holy Spirit​

to each of the disciples the night He made His first post-resurrection appearance.​

Well actually, no, He didn’t, but He was about to.​

The disciples did not receive the Holy Spirit until the Day of Pentecost, which wouldn’t happen for another fifty days (10 days after Ascention).

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Receive the Holy Spirit?”​

Jesus could not give the Holy Spirit to anyone, much less the disciples, until after He ascended back to heaven. We know this is true because of what Jesus says in Acts 1:8.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”​

The Bible records two distinct events related to the Holy Spirit and the disciples:

1. John 20:22: On the evening of the day of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you," and then breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act is often interpreted as a symbolic or initial impartation of the Spirit, specifically for the purpose of regeneration and the authority to forgive sins (John 20:23), occurring before His ascension.
2. Acts 2:1-4: Approximately fifty days after the resurrection (ten days after the Ascension), on the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered together when a sound like a mighty wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested on each of them. "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit" and began speaking in other languages. This event fulfilled Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8 that they would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" and be His witnesses. This is the moment of their public empowerment and the birth of the Church.

The key verses showing the disciples were told to wait for this later power are:

• Luke 24:49: "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
• Acts 1:4-5, 8: Jesus commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for "the gift my Father promised ... you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."

This distinction explains the sequence: an initial reception in John 20, followed by the full empowerment for ministry at Pentecost.

What do we know about Holy Spirit?​

Why is Holy Spirit sent into Believers?

The Holy Spirit is sent to and descends upon believers at two distinct levels ... the indwelling at the moment of salvation. Biblical accounts in Acts 8:14–17 and Acts 19:1–6 show instances where believers received the Spirit later.

There are several essential purposes, all centered on continuing the work of Jesus and enabling the Christian life:

To Empower for Mission: Jesus stated that the disciples would "receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). The Spirit provides the supernatural strength, boldness, and gifts (1 Corinthians 12) needed to live a holy life and proclaim the gospel effectively.

To Regenerate and Seal: The Spirit gives new spiritual life (regeneration) and permanently seals believers as God's possession, guaranteeing their salvation (John 3:5-6; Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5).

To Teach, Guide, and Reveal Truth: As a Helper (Paraclete), The Holy Spirit (called The Spirit of Truth) guides believers "into all truth", teaches them, and helps them understand Scripture "will teach you all things" (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12).
He illuminates Scripture, reveals God's will, and brings conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

To Indwell, Dwell Seal and Assure: The Spirit takes up permanent residence within every believer, making their body His temple (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), marking them as God's possession and sealing them as a "guarantee of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 6:19). This provides assurance of salvation and eternal life.

To Transform and Sanctify: The Spirit works within believers to conform them to the image of Christ. This process, called sanctification, involves renewing the mind, overcoming sin, and producing the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) such as love, joy, and peace.

To Comfort and Intercede: As the "Helper" or "Comforter" (Paraclete), the Spirit provides strength and comfort in times of weakness and trial. He also intercedes for believers in prayer when they do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26).

To Produce Fruit and Transform: The Spirit works within to produce the fruit of a Christ-like character (love, joy, peace, etc.) and progressively transforms believers into Christ's image (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

To Gift and Equip: The Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers for the purpose of building up the Church and serving others (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-12).

To Empower and Give Power: The Spirit provides power for witnessing, living a holy life, overcoming sin, and performing works for God's kingdom (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:16-18).

​