Definition: And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from John 20:22. It's a really significant moment in Christian theology! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus after he was resurrected. He’s saying something new and powerful – the Holy Spirit is coming to those who believe in him. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And when he had said…” : This sets up a moment of significance. It's like Jesus is pausing, reflecting, and preparing to reveal something important. “…he breathed on them:” : This is the core of the verse. "Breathed" means to fill or animate. Jesus didn’t just speak; he infused something into these people – literally, he filled them with the Holy Spirit. “Sayeth unto them…” : This is a crucial part. Jesus is communicating with them. He's addressing them directly and giving them instruction. “Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” : This is the key message! "Receive" means "accept" or "take." “The Holy Ghost” refers to the Holy Spirit, which is one of the three divine persons in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This verse essentially says: “Accept this gift of the Holy Spirit!” What does this mean for us? This verse speaks to several important things: Resurrection: It confirms that Jesus is truly alive and risen from the dead! New Life: Receiving the Holy Spirit signifies a fresh start, a new life in Christ, and a transformation of your heart. It’s about being made new by God. Power and Guidance: The Holy Spirit brings power to live a righteous life, guide us with wisdom, and comfort us in times of trouble. In short, this verse is a powerful declaration that Jesus' resurrection isn’t just a historical event – it’s a transformative act that gives believers the gift of God’s presence and power. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss what this verse means in the context of other stories or teachings? Give you some deeper theological meaning?