Our church has been going through the book of John & this past Sunday our text was chapter 20. I was taken aback over how I'd missed from all my previous readings through the Gospels, this account where Jesus breaths on the disciples and they received the Holy Spirit.
21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you; just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
This account happened before the day of Pentecost obviously. So I'm left wondering what exactly happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost? I've always understood that is when they were sealed by the Holy Spirit. But now that this account in John 20 has come to my attention, I must admit I'm a bit confused.
Would love to hear any insight that you might offer Pete. And I welcome any input from others as well.