Lesson 2702

(Lesson 2702)(05-17-19) John 20:18-23
    Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

   Today’s quote relates how Jesus, after He had risen, appeared to His apostles and gave them their final intructions. Therein, Jesus said, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” That part of the quote relates that Jesus “breathed” upon them and by doing so, endowed them with the Holy Ghost. I have a majoro problem with that text. It seems to be in far too stark a contrast with the gospel of Christ as a whole, and as accounted for by Matthew, Mark and Luke. In the first place, the other referenced in the New Testament state the the apostles received the Holy Ghost at the Pentecost celebration as is written in the book of Acts. The text as written in John appears to have been altered or intentionally miswritten to adhere more closely with Roman Catholic doctrine. I have not YET been able to find any concrete evidence to back up my thinging, but I’m still searching.
Tomorrow I’ll explain what I see wrong with the text and why I believe it has been altered. ~