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John 20:19-31
(John 20:19-23)
With thanks to page sponsor 2015:
The Rev. Dr. Carol Mariano

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition & sermons.
  Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • "Revealed to Disciples," "The Promised Spirit," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Chapter III, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110). (Longer Version only - 4th cent interpolation)
  • I.XVIII.3, III.XVI.5, V.VII.1, V.XXXI.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter VII, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
  • II.2, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XVII, On the Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter XXXIV, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XXI, Chapter XXV, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • Chapter II, Chapter XXI, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • I.III.2, 7, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
  • II.LXI, II.LXII, II.LXIII, VII.LI, Against Celsus, Origen (c. 246)
  • On the Unity of the Church, Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • Epistle LXXV -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 255)
  • Epistle LXXII -- Epistle LXXIV -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 256)
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John:
    • Tractate 121 (20:10-29)
    • Tractate 122 (20:30, 31; 21:1-11)
  • "The Fruit of Faith," John 20:19-31, Martin Luther, c. 1525.
  • "Of True Godliness," John 20:19-31, Martin Luther, c. 1525.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Either the doors opened to him of their own accord, or the very walls themselves were a passage to him."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "A sight of Christ will gladden the heart of a disciple at any time; and the more we see of Jesus, the more we shall rejoice."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "He breathed on them - New life and vigour, and saith, as ye receive this breath out of my mouth, so receive ye the Spirit out of my fulness: the Holy Ghost influencing you in a peculiar manner, to fit you for your great embassy. This was an earnest of pentecost."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "And when he had so said, he showed them his hands and his side--not only as ocular and tangible evidence of the reality of His resurrection ... but as through "the power of that resurrection" dispensing all His peace to men."
  • "The Evidence of our Lord's Wounds," John 20:27, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1888.
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Perhaps our Lord in glory continues to bear the marks of the cross. Perhaps these will forever, as we gaze in glory, remind us of the story of our redemption."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Jaime Clark-Soles, John 20:19-23, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "Two very different but influential figures in 20th century Christianity, Karl Barth and Billy Graham, both stated that the 20th century should be the century during which “the Holy Spirit is brought ..."
  • "Pentecostal Praise," Rev. Ricardo Avila, Journey with Jesus, 2017.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • "The Holy Spirit: The Breath of God!" Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2017.
  • Commentary, John 20:19-23 | Ben Cremer | Pastor, Boise, Euclid Ave. Church of the Nazarene | A Plain Account, 2017
  • Commentary, Jaime Clark-Soles, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "John 20 tells us that Jesus appeared to some of his most important disciples “on the first day of the week. "
  • Commentary, Robert Hoch, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2016.
    • "One might look at this entire chapter as recounting just how sturdy the tomb is in our creaturely thinking. "
  • "Blessed Doubt," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2016.
    • "Thomas comes to faith because he first has the chance to voice his doubt and questions and then experiences Jesus for himself. Perhaps the opportunity before us this week, Dear Partner, is provide the same opportunities for the many Thomases sitting in our pews."
  • "Resurrection is Relationship," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
    • "Our lives exist in, are known through, and defined by broken relationships. But it is not so with our relationship with God."
  • Commentary, John 20:19-30, Michael Palmer, A Plain Account, 2016.
    • "The rise of Donald Trump in American politics speaks to the depth and influential nature of our national and international fear. We're a people afraid, and that fear has trapped us. Like the disciples in those early moments after Jesus' death, we've locked ourselves in an upper room, waiting for the other shoe to drop."
  • The Truett Pulpit, Dr. Preston Clegg, pastor, Second Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR, 2016,
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • "Doubt: The Demon and the Angel of Easter," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2016.
    • "Thomas is a Greek name, and it means twin, though his twin, if he had one, never appears, and some suggest we are, each of us, his twin."
  • "Thomas and the Bubonic Plague," Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • ""Blessed Are You Who Have Not Seen," Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
    • "(Note that the original construction is "strong future denial", strictly translated, "I will by no means believe!")."
  • "The Disciple of Doubt," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
    • "And not all those who believed saw him after his resurrection. Thomas was an exception..."
  • "What Thomas Wants," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2016.
  • "Paving the Path - And Doubting Thomas Shows the Way!" Anna Shirey, The Labyrinth Way, 2016.
    • "I have begun to realize that while blind faith is a starting point, that's all it is."
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, John vandeLaar 2016.
  • "Doubting Thomas...Or Not!" Marshall A. Jolly, Modern Metanoia, 2016.
    • "Perhaps we also need Thomas to bear witness to all that is "other" in our world, blamed for an ever-expanding litany of sins, but in the end summoning the faith and the courage to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!""
  • "Belief and Doubt and Forgiveness of Sins," Janet H. Hunt, 2016.
    • "I have always found the existence of 'faith' or 'belief' to be a mystery which cannot be forced but which can be invited. What is your experience of this?
  • Commentary, Lance Pape, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.
    • "God, in God's manifold wisdom, has not ordained that we should "be there" no matter how sincerely and audaciously we wish it. We live in an age of wonders, no doubt, but when it comes to resurrection faith, ours is not the dispensation of sight."
  • On Realities Old and New," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2015.
    • "Thomas, I would contend, is at heart a pragmatist, one who likes his truth straight up and who relentlessly takes stock of the situation before making a decision. You can count on Thomas, but you'd better not be false with him, because Thomas doesn't suffer fools easily."
  • "Easter in the Anthropocene," Andrew Prior, One Man's Web, 2015.
    • "Here is the Good News. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'"
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Scott Hoezee, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2015.
    • "Those who believe find their faith deepened each time they read this gospel but those who have not known Jesus as Messiah before may well come to belief via that same gospel witness."
  • "The Courage to Ask," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
    • "Thank you, Thomas, for your courage to ask."
  • "Releasing and Retaining Brokenness," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2015.
    • "I consider it one of the gifts of the Christian tradition that every gospel account of the resurrection includes Jesus' scars."
  • Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2015.
  • "If It's the Week after Easter, It Must Be Thomas," commentary and discussion at RevGalBlogPals, 2015. Don't miss the 11th Hour Preacher Party on Saturday!
  • "Touching Faith," David Sellery, Speaking to the Soul, Epicopal Cafe, 2015.
    • "Our job is to cooperate with God's grace… to nurture, protect and share it. That means our faith cannot be rationed, hoarded or hidden."
  • "The Politics of Belief," Stephen Dawson, Political Theology Today, 2015.
    • "The politics of belief relates to the task of distinguishing those beliefs which we rightfully hold in the absence of evidence and those beliefs for which we are obliged to wait for evidence."
  • "Thomas...Without the Adjective," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • "The Easter of Our Senses," Nancy Rockwell, Bite in the Apple, 2015.
    • "Thomas, whose name means twin, stands alone in the gospel. Perhaps we are his twin, each of us standing in his shoes, asking to touch the wounds in which life became unsustainable, more inclined toward knowing the power that fascinates us, than the power that liberates us."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015. 2014. 2013.
  • "Can't Figure How to Keep Jesus from Showing Up," Robert Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2015.
  • "Leaping into the Everlasting Arms," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2015.
    • "Faith is a choice; a choice to look at reality from the point of view that God is making all things new rather than that death is the ultimate reality. But that kind of choice isn't something you can prove or verify."
  • "Who Has Opened the Way," Suzanne Guthrie, prayers and meditations, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2015.
  • "In Community," Story Divine, 2015.
  • "God Strengthens Faith!" Thomas Beam, 2012.
  • Evangelio Comentario del San Juan 20:19-31, J. Manny Santiago, Working Preacher, 2015.
  • "The Holy Spirit Is Coming, Act Like You Understand," Lia Scholl, Question the Text, 2014.
    • "Does our belief in orthodox Christian theology point to God's sovereignty or to our immaturity?"
  • Concise Exegesis, Richard Donovan, Lectionary.org, 2014.
  • "A Johannine Pentecost," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014.
    • "...the power to forgive is rooted in the gift of the Holy Spirit that comes as Jesus breathes upon them. If such is true for the disciples, does that calling not fall upon those who follow in their wake?"
  • Commentary, Elisabeth Johnson, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
    • "What is more, he keeps showing up. As he came back a week later for Thomas, Jesus keeps coming back week after week among his gathered disciples -- in the word, the water, the bread, and the wine -- not wanting any to miss out on the life and peace he gives."
  • "The Power of a Good Question," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
  • Commentary, Narrative Lectionary, John 20:19-31, Thomas B. Slater, Working Preacher, 2014.
  • "Just Breathe," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2014.
  • "No Doubt About It," commentary and discussion of narrative lectionary text for April 27, 2014, RevGalBlogPals, 2014.
  • "ACTION: Paraclete Arrives, Unbelieving Departs," Ruth Everhart, Question the Text, 2014.
  • "Doubting Easter," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2014.
    • "The truth is, Doubting Thomas is present in most church pews on Easter Day. He’s there because he loves a true believer."
  • "Real Life Easter," Anne Howard, The Beatitudes Society, 2014.
  • "Sin and Doubt on the Eighth Day," Andrew Prior, First Thoughts, 2014.
  • "The Politics of Commission," Alastair Roberts, Political Theology Today, 2014.
  • "Beyond Belief," David Sellery, 2014.
  • "Walk of Shame, Interrupted," Robb McCoy, The Fat Pastor, 2014.
  • "Jesus Keeps Showing Up," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2014.
  • "Evidence Enough?" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014. 2011.
  • "Thomas the Twin," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2014.
  • "God Strengthens Faith," Thomas Beam, 2014.
  • "Finding Faith," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer.
    • "The questions raised by our doubts can provide the guidance and the motivation to set out on our journey of faith, even when we don't understand what we're doing, even when we don't know where it will lead us."
  • "Recognition and Trust," Christopher Burkett, Preacher Rhetorica, 2014.
  • "Thomas," Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2014.
  • Commentary, Susan Hylen, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "What is a disciple to do in the wake of Jesus’ resurrection?"
  • The Lectionary Lab, Easter 2, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast. 2011.
  • "Thomas," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
    • "Even though he said the greater blessing is for those who can believe without seeing, it's hard to imagine that there's a believer anywhere who wouldn't have traded places with Thomas, given the chance, and seen that face and heard that voice and touched those ruined hands."
  • "Open the Door" Beth Scibienski, A Thousand Words of Inspiration, 2013.
    • "What they have inside of them was valuable… open the doors. Go give life to others. Be life for others."
  • "Why Our Bodies Matter," Greg Carey, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
    • "The resurrection story implies that bodies matter. Jesus’ resurrection is not merely a spiritual thing – the apparition of his ghost, or his ongoing spiritual influence. The Gospels all insist that the resurrection includes Jesus’ body."
  • "Breath, Touch, Sight and Faith," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
    • "If this word is etymologically related to pneuma, then it would be consisitent to make Jesus’ words, 'Receive a holy breath.'"
  • "Locked In And Locked Out," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "Sometimes I think we have more faith in our fears than we do in God, in the Risen Christ. Have you ever been locked in by your fears?"
  • "Easter for Doubters: The Unexpected Faith of Thomas," David R Henson, Edges of Faith, 2013.
    • "In truth, Easter absorbs both the joy and triumph as well as the fear and disbelief, and is irreducible to just one experience of it."
  • "The Never-Ending Story," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "...so now I think it’s not so much that Jesus is rebuking Thomas as he is blessing us."
  • "Thomas," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
    • "Even though he said the greater blessing is for those who can believe without seeing, it's hard to imagine that there's a believer anywhere who wouldn't have traded places with Thomas, given the chance, and seen that face and heard that voice and touched those ruined hands."
  • "Holy Textures," Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 20:19-31, David Ewart, 2013.
    • "John doesn't care what we see with our eyeballs. He wants us to SEE with our inner eye who Jesus really is. That is why he has written these signs for us. That in SEEing, we might believe; and in believing, we might have the life that is in Jesus."
  • "Thomas," Rick Morley, 2013.
  • "Doubting Thomas," Nancy Rockwell, A Bite in the Apple, 2013.
    • "Like a breath of fresh air, Doubting Thomas enters the over-lilyed atmosphere of Easter..."
  • "Oh Hopscotch and Crocuses and Doubting Thomas Once More," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
    • "How have you come to embrace a belief in the Risen Christ? Do you relate to Thomas' struggle to believe? Why or why not?"
  • "Less Faith," Mark Stenberg, The Hardest Question, 2013.
    • "What would it mean to confess a Thomasian creed?"
  • Comentario del Evangelio por Miriam Lizeth Bermúdez, Juan 20:19-31, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • Commentary, Lucy Lind Hogan, John 20:19-31, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "In the end, this is not a story of absence and doubt. It is the amazing message that the good news of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is able to break through locked rooms, through the limits of time and space."
  • "Faith and Doubt," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
  • "When you read through the resurrection accounts of all four gospels, you quickly realize that Thomas is not alone in his doubt. In fact, doubt isn't the exception but the rule."
  • "Thomas > Doubt," Lisa Hickman, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2012.
    • "On the eighth day after Easter, the world looks to you and me to take the first steps to turn the passion of Christ into compassionate change."
  • "Easter and the Sunday After Easter," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
  • "My Lord and My God," Janice Love, Ekklesia Project, 2012.
    • "Wow! The texts for this second Sunday in our most important, celebratory season are powerful and their theme is easy to detect: testimony, declaration, proclaim, witness."
  • "Come out, come out, whoever you are," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
    • "So here John presents us with a closed room containing a closed communitity. 'Kleiso', closed by their fear. It reminds me of the modern church. Fearful of everthing."
  • "Scars and Stories, Doubt and Faith," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
  • "Can you think of 'scars' that tell something about who one is and what matters most?"
  • "The First Sunday Night and the Week That Followed," Kate Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2012.
    • "We weren’t there, and we haven’t known the gospel as an embodied reality. But, in Thomas, our hunger is validate and confirmed."
  • "The Unexpected Faith of Doubting Thomas," David R. Henson, 2012.
    • "In any event, Thomas’ willingness — eagerness almost — to die with Jesus casts his 'doubts' about the resurrection in a different light."
  • "Jesus Can't Be Locked Out," Alyce M. McKenzie, "Edgy Exegesis," Patheos, 2012.
  • Radical Gratitude: Easter 2A, Easter 2C, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Comentario del Evangelio por Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo, San Juan 20:19-31, Working Preacher, 2012.
  • Commentary, John 20:19-31, Easter 2, Karoline Lewis, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "Here we are again."
  • Jesus Appears to the Disciples, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
  • Exegetical Notes (Easter 2 ABC) by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "The purpose of this resurrection appearance is not so much to prove the resurrection as it is to send the disciples as Jesus had been sent. Easter is not just coming to a wonderful, inspiring worship service, it is being sent back into the (hostile) world, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bear witness to the identity of God as revealed in Jesus."
  • "First Thoughts on Year B Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Easter 2," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "John is not anti-miracle, but he is critical of the focus on the materiality of miracles and Thomas surely approaches that stance. Blessed are those who believe who did not need the proofs (20:29)."
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Easter 2B, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
  • Commentary by Hall Harris at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "Furthermore there is the imagery of Ezek. 37:1-14, the prophecy concerning the resurrection of the dry bones: there in verse 9 the Son of Man is told to prophesy to the "wind/breath/Spirit" to come and breathe on the corpses, so that they will live again."
  • On Seeing and Believing (John 20:10-31), by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "John is writing this Gospel for those who have never seen the risen Lord. He has selected just a few of the many miraculous signs Jesus performed to demonstrate that Jesus is who He claimed to be, who John proclaims Him to be."
  • "The Holy Spirit, The Force of Forgiveness," Pentecost B, Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
  • Commentary, John 20:19-23 (Pentecost A), Matt Skinner, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "...the resurrected Christ tells his followers (all his followers) that, through the Spirit that enables them to bear witness, they can set people free ("set free" or "release" is a better translation than "forgive" in 20:23) from that state of affairs. They can be a part of seeing others come to believe in Jesus and what he discloses."
      
  • John 20:19-23, Day of Pentecost A, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Pentecost," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "The life which meets us in brokenness meets us to engage us in itself! That means engagement is the same compassion and poured out love."
  • Exegetical Notes (Pentecost A) by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "The question has been asked, 'What changed the disciples from fearful (hiding behind locked doors) to fearless witnesses in the world?' One answer is that they had seen the resurrected Jesus -- but only a few had this life-changing experience. Another answer is that they had all been filled with the Holy Spirit."
  • Evangelio, San Juan 20:19-23, Alvin Padillo, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
  • Lectionary Blogging, Pentecost, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    • "For the fourth gospel, the method of atonement is precisely through re-creation."
  • First Look, Lee Koontz, Reflectious, 2011.
  • "Finger in the Hole, Fist in the Side," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "Is this the birth or the conception of the church?"
  • "Is It Really You?" Peter Woods, I am listening, 2011.
    • "I am never sure how, or why, Jesus has come to me and stood in that sequestered place of fear and forgetfulness, but he has again and again."
  • "Faithful Doubt," David Lose, WorkingPreacher, 2011.
    • "Looked at this way, far from standing as the inferior doubter that Jesus rebuked, Thomas emerges as a model disciple in John's gospel."
  • Lectionary Blogging, Easter 2, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    • "...the fourth gospel's use of emphusao is the only use of this word in the entire New Testament.  Clearly, the author of the fourth gospel is equating the breath of Jesus with the breath of God.  Where the Lord God breathed life into a human being, the Lord Jesus breathes life into his church."
  • "No Body Loves Me" Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "After so much emphasis on the Body of Jesus through the Lent and Easter seasons, how do we preach with out one? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe? There really are not any other options are there?"
  • "Why Can't You Just Have More Faith?" Rachel Held Evans, MinistryMatters, 2011.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Easter 2," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Such miracles and proofs (affirmed by John in 20:30) only make sense if they lead to the real faith which consists in a relationship with God of which 20:31 speaks."
  • "Heads Up! Jesus is All Around,", Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2011.
    • "Jesus wasn't the first to use this greeting. "Peace be with you" is a greeting used by God in the Old Testament when God approaches humans and they tremble with fear of punishment. (See Jdg. 6:23.) It conveys that the divine manifestation will not harm the recipient."
  • "Life in all its fullness," Andrew Prior, First Impressions, 2011.
    • "We should constantly remind people that Thomas did not doubt. He was a-pistos. Un-trusting, not- believing. What Jesus says, well translated in NRSV, is blessed are those who have trusted."
  • Commentary, John 20:19-31, Frank L. Crouch, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "The season of Easter is above all a season of life: resurrection life, eternal life, or, as the end of this passage says, just plan 'life'?'that through believing you may have life in his name' (verse 31)."
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Easter 2, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Blessed are those who believe who did not need the proofs (20:29). Such miracles and proofs (affirmed by John in 20:30) only make sense if they lead to the real faith which consists in a relationship with God of which 20:31 speaks."
  • Commentary, John 20:19-31 (Easter 2B), Richard Carlson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  • "It's Not about Thomas," David Lose, WorkingPreacher.org.
    • "What would it be like for your hearers to understand themselves as addressed directly by Jesus in this passage, to feel themselves blessed by the Lord?"
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "As has been true all through the fourth gospel, trusting in Jesus is equated with life--zoe.  In Greek, zoe refers not just to a living organism, but the very basis of all life.  Trust in Jesus puts one in intimate connection with the source of life itself."
  • First Look: John 20:19-31, Lee Koontz, reflectious, 2010.
    • "The shadow of the cross is not easy to leave behind."
  • "Thomas, an Honest Doubter," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "Doubts, questions and skepticism often lead to deeper faith and larger faith."
  • "A Surprise Appearance," Ken Collins, Ken Collin' Web Site.
    • "So if Jesus didn't penalize Thomas for doubting the resurrection, He certainly won't penalize you if you have misgivings about it. You are not saved by your beliefs but by your faith; by your reliance on Jesus Christ."
  • "Those Who Have Not Seen," James C. Somerville, The Christian Century, 1998. At Religion Online.
    • "As Bultmann would insist, faith and proof are two different things. And as John has explained, these things are not written so that you may have the facts, but so that you may believe."
  • John 20:19-31, in Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's An Exegetical Study of the Common Lectionary, coordinated by Prof. John E. Alsup, features rough translation, disposition, immediate context, broader context, hermeneutical bridge, and contemporary
  • "God's Gift of Peace," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "When the last time you truly felt peaceful?"
  • "My Lord and My God,", Easter to Trinity with the Gospel of John: Bearing Witness to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Paul S. Berge, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1995.
    • "This is the Gospel of John's 'Pentecost' text as Jesus comes among his disciples on the eve of resurrection, bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit."
  • Marginally Mark, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • Second Sunday of Easter, The Church in Mission: Gospel Texts for the Sundays of Easter (Series C), Duane A. Olson, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1995.
    • "Jesus comes back for Thomas -- he goes out of his way for this one person -- and deals with him where he is, that he may come to believe and that through believing he may have life."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, John 20:19-31, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "Wherever there is a wound, Christ calls us to find belief by putting our finger there and to energize that belief with a life lived to reveal what is behind the wound."
  • "How is God's Spirit different from the Force in Star Wars?"
  • Commentary, John 20:19-31 (Easter 2A), Arland J. Hultgren, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Easter 2," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Blessed are those who believe who did not need the proofs (20:29). Such miracles and proofs (affirmed by John in 20:30) only make sense if they lead to the real faith which consists in a relationship with God of which 20:31 speaks."
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Andrews, Susan R., "Jesus Appears," The Christian Century, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Barnes, M. Craig, "Crying Shame," The Christian Century, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Berge, Paul S., "Easter to Trinity with the Gospel of John: Bearing Witness to Father, Son and Holy Spirit," Word & World, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Breuer, Sarah Dylan, "Never-Ending Story," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bridgford, Kim, "Doubting Thomas," The Christian Century, 2006. (Poetry)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brown, Raymond E., "The Resurrection in John 20 -- A Series of Diverse Reactions," Worship, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brown, Rebecca Pugh, "Preaching Justice and Mercy: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for April," The Living Pulpit, 2007. (See also "Atonement," issue focus of The Living Pulpit, 16.2, 2007.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Burghardt, William, S.J., "Gospel Joy, Christian Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996. (see Joy issue focus of The Living Pulpit 5.4, 1996.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Byrne, Brendan, "The Faith of the Beloved Disciple and the Community in John 20," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carson, D.A., "The Purpose of the Fourth Gospel: John 20:31 Reconsidered," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carson, D.A., "Syntactical and Text-Critical Observations on John 20:30-31: One More Round on the Purpose of the Fourth Gospel," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Clayton, Kimberly L., "The Easter Texts: Getting Hold (or not) of Easter," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Fuller, Reginald H., "From Exegesis to Sermon Composition: John 20:19-23," Interpretation, 1978.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Goodman, Liz, "Easter Sermon," Journal for Preachers, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grant, Kristen Bargeron, "No Joke," The Christian Century, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Guenther, Margaret, "Mediated through Flesh," The Christian Century, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Guthrie, Suzanne, "Cousin Thomas," The Christian Century, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hägerland, Tobias, "The Power of Prophecy: A Septuaginal Echo in John 20:19-23," Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Harstine, Stan, "Un-Doubting Thomas: Recognition Scenes in the Ancient World," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hauerwas, Stanley, "Embodied Memory," Journal for Preachers, 1996. (Sermon)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hays, Richard B., "Fingering the Evidence," The Christian Century, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2011. (Section on this text begins on page 78)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASeria
  • "Homiletical Helps on LW Series A," Concordia Journal, 2005. (Section on this text begins on page 76)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerial
  • Hunter, Amy B., "The Show-Me Disciple," The Christian Century, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Johnson, Jimmie D., "God and the Chaos Monster," Journal for Preachers, 2007. Sermon.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lee, Dorothy A., "Partnership in Easter Faith: The Role of Mary Magdalene and Thomas in John 20," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lose, David J., "Realities Old and New," Journal for Preachers, 2007. (Sermon)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Manteufel, Thomas, "The Second Sunday of Easter," Concordia Journal, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mantey, Julius Robert, "Distorted Translations in John 20:23; Matthew 16:18-19 and 18:18," Review & Expositor, 1981.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mantey, Julius R., "Evidence that the Perfect Tense in John 20:23 and Matthew 16:19 is Mistranslated," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1973.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Marty, Peter W., "A Change in Perception," The Christian Century, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Brien, Kelli, "Written That You May Believe: John 20 and Narrative Rhetoric," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Olson, Duane A., "The Church in Mission: Gospel Texts for the Sundays after Easter (Series C)," Word & World, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Pierce, Brian J., O.P., "Prophets of the Shalom of God," The Living Pulpit, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Pretlove, John, "John 20:22--Help from Dry Bones?" Criswell Theological Review, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Rohrig, Byron, L., "Believing Thomas," The Christian Century, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Ross, J.M., "Further Unnoticed Points in the Text of the New Testament," Novum Testamentum, 2003. (Section on John 20:25 begins on page 216.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Somerville, James G., "Those Who Have Not Seen," The Christian Century, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stortz, Martha Ellen, "Indwelling Christ, Indwelling Christians: Living as Marked," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Suggit, John, "The Eucharistic Significance of John 20:19-29," Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 1976.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Thompson, Casey, "Between text and sermon: John 20:19-23," Interpretation, 2014..
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • van Rossum, Joost, "The 'Johannine Pentecost': John 20:22 in Modern Exegesis and in Orthodox Theology," St Vladimir's Theological Quarterly, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Willard, Dallas, "How to Be a Disciple," The Christian Century, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wink, Walter, "Resonating with God's Song," The Christian Century, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Believing Is Seeing," Peter Marty, Day 1, 2016.
  • "Parked Beliefs," the Rev. Dr. Casey Baggott, UCC, Day 1, 2015.
  • "How to Handle a Scandal," the Rev. Billy Honor, Day 1, 2014.
  • "Thomas," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
  • "Missouri, 'My Fair Lady,' and the Mission of the Church," the Very Rev. Chadwick Vaughn, Day 1, 2012.
  • "When Christ Shows Up," the Rev. William Flippin, Jr., Day 1, 2011.
  • "The Faith of the Doubter," the Rev Dr. Katharine Hinman, Day 1, 2011.
    
  • "Trust Jesus and Elvis," the Rev. Susan Sparks, Day 1, 2010.
  • "Scars of Hope," Christi O. Brown, Duke Divinity School's Faith & Leadership, 2010.
  • "Dealing with Mystery," the Rev. Dr. Laura Mendenhall, Day 1, 2009.
  • "On Chocolate Chip Cookies and Dirty Water and Being Church in a Shrinking World," the Rev. Dr. Rob Nash, Day 1, 2008.
  • "Realities Old and New," the Rev. Dr. David Lose, Day 1, 2008.
  • "Doubt -- The Prelude to Faith," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2007.
  • Easter 2C, James Mueller, April 15, 2007, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "My Hands, My Feet," David Andrus, 2006, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Why I Am a Christian," Day of Pentecost - 15 May 2005, David Zersen, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Can I Get a Witness?" the Rev. Jonathan Holston, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Hand-Witness Testimony," the Rev. Dr. Catherine Taylor, Day 1, 2003.
  • Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle:
    • "Thomas the Doubter"
    • "Thomas, An Honest Doubter"
  • "Faith and Uncertainty," Paul Tillich. From The New Being (1955), at Religion OnLine.
  • "Experiencing Jesus' Aliveness Through Believing," the Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jones, Day 1, 2001.
  • "Behind Closed Doors," the Rev. Duane Steele, Day 1, 1997.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily, 2004.
    • Easter 2, 2011
    • Easter 2, 2010
    • Easter 2, 2009
    • Easter 2, 2008
    • Easter 2, 2007
    • Easter 2, 2006
    • Easter 2, 2005
    • Easter 2, 2004
    • Easter 2, 2003
    • Easter 2, 2001
    • Easter 2, 2000
    • Easter 2, 1999
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Easter 2, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2015. 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," April 12, 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary. 2012.
  • "Believe It or Not!" and "May I See Some Identification, Please?" Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Without a Doubt," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.:
    • "Jesus Tells the Disciples What To Do"
    • "Jesus Visits His Disciples, but Thomas Needs Proof"
    • "Jesus Finds a Solid Rock"
  • "Thomas Doubts," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • John 19-21 Crossword, Don Crownover's Bible Puzzles.
  • Doubting Thomas Word Search, Charles Kirkpatrick, sermons4kids.com.
• Drama:
  • "Mr. Sherlock Holmes' Reason to Believe," Michelle Pitman, dramatix.
  • "Blessed Are They," Darryl McCollum, dramatix.
  • "Thomas the Skeptic," Jane and Mark Lewis, Potted Jam.
  • "What We Have Seen and Heard," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "The Voice of Thomas," Theresa Coleman, Reverend Mommy's Random Thoughts.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, John 20:19, John 20:22, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 20:19-31, John 20:19-31, John 20:19-31, John 20:19-31, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • John 20:19-31, John 20:19-31, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-29, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • John 20:19-31, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • Doubting Thomas PowerPoint Slide Masters. Henry Martin, sermons4kids.com.
  • Commercial Site: "Doubting Thomas Film," The Work of the People.
• Hymns and Music:
  • “When Thomas Heard from Jesus,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrating the all of the biblical stories about Thomas, his growing faith and ours.  Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D (“The Church's One Foundation”).
  • "Your Word is Like a Lamp, O Lord," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymn giving thanks for the Bible, including the stories of Jesus, and how it continues to speak today. Tune: 8.8.8 ("Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak").
  • "O God, In Raising Jesus," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymn celebrating Jesus' resurrection leading followers to work for transforming the hurting world that Jesus loves. Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation").
  • "Wind of the Spirit," Hymn based on John 20:19-23, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2, Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, 2012.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 20:19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • "Your Love in Every Tongue," "Resurrection Power," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Crown Him With Many Crowns
    • Love Divine
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Resurrection
  • Thomas 
• Literary References & Expressions:
  • "The Sale of Saint Thomas," Lascelles Abercrombie, at The Poetry Archives @emule.com.
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Resurrection
  • Faith
  • Seeing/Not Seeing
• The above links are for the study of specifically John's resurrection account. See also Study Links and Resources for the general Accounts of Jesus' Resurrection
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of John

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

©1997-2020, Jenee Woodard