Jesus as God
The Risen Jesus Gives the Holy Spirit to His Disciples
Breathing is a vivid biblical image of imparting life, and John's action occurs in a resurrection and new-creation setting.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Divine Authority
Resurrection and Vindication
Divine Presence
Exercises Divine Authority
Sends the Holy Spirit
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
William Brassey Hole — The Life of Jesus
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
The risen Jesus commissions his disciples, breathes on them, and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Historical and Cultural Context
God breathes life into Adam in Genesis 2, and Ezekiel 37 associates breath and Spirit with restoration from death.
Old Testament Background
Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 37:1-14 are central backgrounds.
Exposition
Jesus personally breathes and gives the Spirit, fulfilling John the Baptist's earlier testimony that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The action joins resurrection, new creation, divine breath, and Jesus' authority to give the Spirit.
Response of the Hearers
The disciples rejoice when they see the risen Lord.