JOHN—NOTE ON John 20:23 The expressions they are forgiven and it is withheld both represent perfect-tense verbs in Greek and could also be translated, “they have been forgiven” and “it has been withheld.” The idea is not that individual Christians or churches have authority on their own to forgive or not forgive people. Rather, as the church proclaims the gospel message of forgiveness of sins in the power of the Holy Spirit (see v. John 20:22), it simply reflects what God in heaven has already done (see note on Matt. 16:19).

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising