Abstract
It is my purpose to give an exposition of Chapter 20 verse 21-23 of the fourth Gospel
in the course of this study, but before turning to these verses it will be necessary to
consider the Johannine Literature1 as a whole, with the endeavour of discovering its
scope, its central theme and its relation to John 20:21-23. My aim is to open up the
Scriptures in such a way that the reader will be able to enter into the meaning of what
God has recorded for our learning in this part of His Holy Word, and to edify those
who are members of the community of faith, 2 so that this community fully grasp the
importance of Christ’s commissioning the apostles and enduing the apostles.
Prof. J.A. du Rand