Introduction to John 20:21
John 20:21 is the Johannine Great Commission. On the evening of His resurrection, Jesus appears to His terrified disciples, speaks peace over their fear, and then sends them into the world with the same authority and mission the Father gave Him.
The phrase 'as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you' establishes perfect continuity between Jesus' mission and the church's mission. We are not sent to do something different from what Jesus did — we are sent to continue what He started.
Historical & Literary Context
This is Easter Sunday evening. The disciples are locked in a room 'for fear of the Jews.' Jesus appears bodily — showing His hands and side — and their fear turns to joy. He then speaks peace a second time and commissions them.
The next verse records Jesus breathing on them and saying 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost' (20:22) — a Johannine Pentecost that empowers the commission. Mission and empowerment are inseparable: Jesus never sends without equipping.
Original Language Insights
Two different Greek words for 'send' are used: apostello (the Father sent me) and pempo (I send you). While often used interchangeably, apostello emphasizes commissioning with authority and purpose, while pempo emphasizes the ongoing act of sending. Together, they convey both the authority behind the mission and its continuous nature.
The repetition of 'peace' (eirēnē) — spoken twice in this appearance — is more than greeting. It is the shalom of the resurrection: wholeness, reconciliation, and victory over fear.
Theological Significance
This verse establishes the church's identity as 'sent ones.' The word 'apostle' comes from apostello — we are all apostles in the broadest sense, sent into the world as Jesus was sent into the world.
The 'as... even so' structure creates a mirror: the church's mission mirrors Christ's mission. As Jesus came to reveal the Father, so we reveal Christ. As Jesus came to serve, so we serve. As Jesus came to seek and save, so we seek and save.
The peace that precedes the commission is essential. We cannot be effective emissaries of peace if we are ourselves ruled by fear. The resurrection changes everything — fear gives way to peace, and peace gives way to mission.
Practical Application for Today
Every believer is sent. This is not optional or reserved for missionaries and pastors. As the Father sent Jesus into everyday Nazareth, into homes and marketplaces, so Jesus sends us into our everyday contexts: workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, families.
The 'as... even so' also defines how we are sent: not with coercion but with peace, not with condemnation but with grace, not with programs but with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
This verse challenges passive Christianity. We are not called to sit in pews and wait for heaven. We are sent — commissioned by the risen Christ — to continue His mission in the power of His Spirit.