Jesus' first words to the gathered disciples are 'Peace be unto you.' After showing his hands and side he repeats the greeting, and he uses it again when Thomas is present eight days later.
Jesus in Context
Peace Be Unto You: The Risen Jesus' Greeting
Jesus repeatedly greets his frightened disciples with 'Peace be unto you,' using familiar Jewish peace language while fulfilling his earlier promise of peace after the trauma of crucifixion.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
The greeting corresponds to the familiar Semitic language of shalom, encompassing peace, well-being, and wholeness. It could function as an ordinary greeting, but John's narrative gives it added force. Jesus had promised, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you' before his death. Now the disciples are frightened behind shut doors, and the crucified Jesus stands alive among them bearing the wounds that identify him.
Why It Matters
The cultural greeting and the Gospel's earlier promise reinforce each other. Jesus does not greet the disciples with rebuke for abandoning him but with peace.
Their fear turns to joy when they see the Lord, and the repeated peace becomes the setting for the mission he gives them.