LE3 .A278 2018

2018

Zacharias, H. Daniel

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

This study tests the claim that the author of John 20:19-23 intended the pericope to be read as a Johannine Pentecost, a full account of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit, and that its theological claims are compatible with the post-resurrection appearance accounts in the Synoptics and the account of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts. This study is limited to a discussion of the text itself and the message being communicated by the authors of these passages, and as such does not deal with historical questions. Before John 20:19-23 is examined, the concept of the Holy Spirit and Paraclete in the Gospel of John are explored. A number of foundational passages are examined in an attempt to develop a Johannine understanding and expectation that will inform the subsequent exegesis of John 20:19-23. After this initial survey, an exegetical study of John 20:19-23 is performed. The synoptic resurrection accounts are then examined and compared to John 20:19-23. Finally, the account of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 is examined and its theological claims are compared to those of John 20:19-23. After all this investigation, it is determined that the author of John 20:19-23 intended the pericope to be understood as a full account of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit. The account emphasizes the new life given to the disciples, but not to the exclusion of empowerment for mission or helping identify Jesus to his scared disciples.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2692