The Resurrection and Eternal Life: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on John 20

Executive Summary

John 20, the heart of the Paschal narrative, proclaims the glorious resurrection and eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. From Mary Magdalene’s initial bewilderment at the empty tomb to the disciples’ eventual unwavering faith after encountering the risen Lord, this chapter details a transformative journey from doubt to profound belief. This commentary delves into each verse, exploring its theological significance, historical context, and spiritual application within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. We will examine the Patristic interpretations, drawing parallels to Old Testament prophecies, and uncovering the profound implications of Christ’s victory over death for our lives today. The chapter culminates in the blessing bestowed upon those who believe without seeing, a timely reminder for contemporary believers. It establishes not just the historical reality of the Resurrection, but its continuing relevance for the Church and each individual soul. This study reveals how John 20 invites us to embrace the risen Christ and live in the fullness of His promise of eternal life.

Welcome, brothers and sisters, to a journey through the radiant heart of our faith: John chapter 20. This chapter isn’t just a historical account; it’s the very foundation upon which our hope is built, the cornerstone of our salvation. We will explore this pivotal chapter, verse by verse, revealing its profound theological depth, historical context, and, most importantly, its enduring relevance to our lives today.

Commentary Sections

John 20:1 – The Empty Tomb

(Coptic: ⲧⲉⲛⲟ⩁ ⲙ̀ⲡⲓϣⲟⲙⲧ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉⲥⲁⲃⲃⲁⲧⲟⲛ ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ ⲧⲙⲁⲅⲇⲁⲗⲓⲛⲏ ⲁⲥⲓ ⲉ̀ⲡⲓⲙⲁ ⲙ̀ⲡⲙ̀ⲧⲣⲟ ⲛ̀ϯⲡⲣⲱⲓ ⲙ̀ⲙⲉϩ ⲕⲁϣⲱⲃ ⲁⲥⲧⲁⲙⲓⲟ ⲧⲙⲏⲛⲓ ⲁⲥⲧⲱⲛϥ ϩⲓϫⲱϥ.
Greek: Τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου.
KJV: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
NKJV: Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Mary Magdalene, driven by love and grief, arrives at the tomb “early, while it was still dark.” This detail is crucial. The darkness symbolizes the spiritual darkness that enveloped the world before Christ’s resurrection. The tomb, hewn from rock, was a common burial practice in that era, especially for the wealthy. Its sealed entrance, secured with a heavy stone, was meant to prevent desecration and theft. The removal of the stone is not simply a physical act; it’s a symbolic declaration of Christ’s victory over death and the limitations of the material world. The early Church Fathers, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria, saw Mary’s action, even in her grief, as an example of devotion, which is often the very first step in encountering the risen Lord. He writes: “Ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς, ἀλλὰ τὰ τοῦ ἀγαπωμένου.” (He gar agapē ou zētei ta heautēs, alla ta tou agapōmenou – “For love does not seek its own, but the things of the beloved.”) (St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John, Book 12). This love prompts action, even in the face of darkness and despair.

Spiritual Application: Even in our darkest moments of doubt and grief, let love guide us. Let us seek Christ relentlessly, for He is often found in the places we least expect.

John 20:2 – “They Have Taken Away the Lord”

(Coptic: ⲧⲟⲧⲉ ⲁⲥⲉⲣϣⲓⲛⲓ ⲁⲥⲓ ⲛ̀ⲥⲓⲙⲱⲛ ⲡⲉⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲓⲙⲁⲧⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲕⲉϯⲙⲁⲧⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲫⲏ ⲉ̀ⲙⲉⲣⲓⲧ ⲫⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥ ⲛⲁϥ ⲛⲁⲩ ϫⲉ ⲁⲩⲁⲓ ⲙ̀ⲡ̀ϭⲟⲓⲥ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ϩⲓⲧⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲙ̀ⲧⲣⲟ ⲟⲩⲙⲉⲛ ⲟⲩⲕ ⲟⲩⲙⲛ̀ⲧⲣⲉ ⲁⲩⲑⲱⲛϥ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲩ.
Greek: τρέχει οὖν καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητὴν ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς, Ἦραν τὸν κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν.
KJV: Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
NKJV: Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Mary’s immediate reaction is to inform Peter and the “other disciple, whom Jesus loved” (John). This illustrates the importance of community in our faith. When faced with uncertainty or loss, we are called to seek support and guidance from our spiritual brothers and sisters. The “other disciple” is traditionally believed to be John himself, highlighting his close relationship with Jesus. Mary assumes theft, a natural conclusion given the circumstances and the prevailing social climate. Grave robbing was not uncommon and was considered a serious crime. Her distress underscores the depth of her devotion and her inability to comprehend the possibility of resurrection. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the vital role of the Apostle John in understanding the divinity of Christ. His intimate relationship with Jesus allowed him to perceive truths others missed. St. Athanasius writes, “Ὁ Ἰωάννης ὁ θεολόγος, ὅστις ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος τοῦ Κυρίου ἀνέπεσεν, ἐδιδάξαμεν ἡμᾶς τὴν θεότητα τοῦ Λόγου.” (Ho Iōannēs ho theologos, hostis epi to stēthos tou Kyriou anepesen, edidaxamen hēmas tēn theotēta tou Logou. – “John the Theologian, who leaned on the Lord’s breast, taught us the divinity of the Word.”) (St. Athanasius, Orations Against the Arians, 3.3).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate strong spiritual friendships within the Church. When doubt creeps in, seek wisdom and encouragement from trusted brothers and sisters in Christ. This link will help you find resources within the Coptic Orthodox faith for spiritual growth and community: Dohost.us.

John 20:3-10 – The Race to the Tomb and the First Glimpse of Faith

(Coptic: ⲁⲩⲱ ⲁⲥⲓⲙⲱⲛ ⡐ⲏⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲉⲃⲟⲗ ⲛⲉⲙ ⲡⲓⲙⲁⲑⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲕⲉϯⲙⲁⲑⲏⲧⲏⲥ ⲁⲩⲱ ⲁⲩⲁϣⲓ ⲉ̀ⲡⲓⲙ̀ⲧⲣⲟ. … (verses 3-10 follow in similar format)
Greek: ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον…. (verses 3-10 follow in similar format)
KJV: Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre…. (verses 3-10 follow in similar format)
NKJV: Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb…. (verses 3-10 follow in similar format)

The race to the tomb highlights the differing temperaments of Peter and John. John, being younger, arrives first but hesitates to enter. Peter, driven by his impetuous nature, immediately enters the tomb. The orderly arrangement of the linen cloths, a detail that John later emphasizes, suggests that the body was not simply stolen in haste. This evidence points to a more significant event. The cloths lying “by themselves” (verse 7) is interpreted by many Church Fathers as a sign of deliberate departure, not theft. St. Augustine notes that this orderliness contradicts the idea of a hurried removal, suggesting a supernatural event. While Peter observes the empty tomb with bewilderment, John “saw and believed” (verse 8). This belief is not yet a full comprehension of the resurrection, but it is a glimmer of faith sparked by the evidence before him. It’s an important step in the journey. Their lack of understanding of the scripture concerning the resurrection is highlighted in verse 9. The scriptures were there, but their meaning was veiled until the Holy Spirit illuminated them. This underscores the importance of spiritual illumination in understanding the divine word.

Spiritual Application: Embrace both action (Peter) and contemplation (John) in your faith. Study the Scriptures diligently and pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate their meaning in your heart.

John 20:11-18 – Mary Magdalene’s Encounter with the Risen Lord

(Coptic: ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ ⲇⲉ ⲥⲛⲁⲩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ϩⲓⲧⲉⲛ ⲡⲓⲙ̀ⲧⲣⲟ ⲉⲥⲱⲃϣ ⲉⲥⲱⲃϣ ⲧⲁⲥⲧⲏⲕ ⲉ̀ⲡⲓⲙ̀ⲧⲣⲟ ⲁⲥϣⲁⲛⲧ ⲁⲥⲛⲁⲩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ⲉ̀ⲥⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗⲟⲥ ⲃ̀ⲧⲃⲁⲥⲧⲏⲕⲟⲧ ⲛⲁⲩ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲩ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲧⲉⲥⲙⲟⲧ ⲉⲓⲥ ⲡⲉⲕⲁⲣⲉϣ ⲙⲉⲛⲣⲉϣ ⲙⲉⲛ. … (verses 11-18 follow in similar format)
Greek: Μαρία δὲ εἱστήκει πρὸς τὸ μνημεῖον ἔξω κλαίουσα. ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιεν, παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον…. (verses 11-18 follow in similar format)
KJV: But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,… (verses 11-18 follow in similar format)
NKJV: But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb,… (verses 11-18 follow in similar format)

Mary’s persistence in staying at the tomb, even after Peter and John have left, reveals her unwavering love. Her weeping is not simply sorrow; it’s a manifestation of her deep longing for Jesus. The appearance of the two angels confirms the extraordinary nature of the event. Angels are often messengers of God, and their presence signals divine intervention. Mary’s question, “Why are you weeping?” highlights her focus on the missing body, rather than the possibility of resurrection. Her encounter with Jesus himself is initially one of mistaken identity. She assumes He is the gardener, a natural assumption given the setting. Jesus reveals himself to her by calling her name, “Mary.” This personal touch underscores the intimate relationship He desires with each of us. His instruction, “Do not cling to Me,” is significant. It suggests that the relationship will now be different, based on faith and spiritual presence, not physical proximity. She is then sent to proclaim the good news to the disciples, becoming the “apostle to the apostles.” This underscores the crucial role of women in the early Church. The message “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God” (verse 17) is a profound statement of unity between Christ and His followers. St. Gregory of Nyssa comments on this passage: “Διὰ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἡμῶν γέγονεν ἀρχὴ τῆς ἀφθαρσίας.” (Dia tēs anastaseōs hēmōn gegonen archē tēs aphtharsias. – “Through the resurrection, we have become the beginning of incorruption.”) (St. Gregory of Nyssa, On the Making of Man, 24). Christ’s resurrection is the beginning of our own resurrection and transformation.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. Listen for His voice calling your name amidst the noise and distractions of the world. Be bold in proclaiming the good news of the resurrection to others.

John 20:19-23 – Jesus Appears to the Disciples

(Coptic: ⲁⲩⲱ ⲉⲧⲁⲩⲛⲁⲩ ⲉ̀ϯⲙⲉϩ ⲙ̀ⲡⲓϣⲟⲙⲧ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉⲥⲁⲃⲃⲁⲧⲟⲛ ⲁⲩⲱ ⲧⲁⲩⲉⲓ ⲛ̀ϩⲏⲧ ⲧⲁⲩⲙⲟⲩⲧⲉ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗ ϩⲓϫⲱϥ ⲉ̀ϯⲥⲁⲣⲕⲁⲥ ⲛ̀ⲛⲉⲕⲣⲏⲥⲧⲟⲥ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛⲉⲛⲟⲩⲱⲛϩ ⲁⲩⲱ ⲁⲩⲥⲱⲧⲉⲙ ⲉ̀ⲧⲉⲛⲛⲉⲃⲣⲁⲓⲕⲟⲛ ⲛ̀ϫⲉⲡⲓⲧⲉⲛⲧⲉⲛⲟⲩ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉⲣⲱⲙⲉ. … (verses 19-23 follow in similar format)
Greek: Οὔσης οὖν ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων…. (verses 19-23 follow in similar format)
KJV: 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,… (verses 19-23 follow in similar format)
NKJV: 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,… (verses 19-23 follow in similar format)

The disciples are gathered in fear behind locked doors. This fear represents the paralysis that can grip us in the face of adversity. Jesus’ sudden appearance in their midst, despite the locked doors, demonstrates His supernatural power and freedom from the limitations of the physical world. His greeting, “Peace be with you,” is not just a customary greeting; it’s a bestowal of divine peace, the shalom that transcends earthly understanding. He shows them His hands and His side, the visible wounds of the crucifixion, as proof of His identity. This emphasizes the reality of the incarnation and the suffering He endured for our salvation. The commissioning of the disciples with the words “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” establishes the apostolic succession, the unbroken chain of authority that extends from Christ to His Church. The giving of the Holy Spirit with the words “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (verses 22-23) is the institution of the sacrament of confession and absolution. This is a unique and powerful gift given to the Church, allowing for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. St. John Chrysostom eloquently describes this power: “Οὐκ ἄνθρωπος ὁ τοῦτο ποιών, ἀλλ’ ὁ Θεὸς δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐνεργῶν.” (Ouk anthrōpos ho touto poiōn, all’ ho Theos di’ autou energōn. – “It is not man who does this, but God acting through him.”) (St. John Chrysostom, On the Priesthood, 3.5). The priest acts as an instrument of God’s grace in the forgiveness of sins.

Spiritual Application: Seek the peace of Christ amidst your fears and anxieties. Embrace the sacrament of confession and absolution as a means of reconciliation with God and spiritual healing. Know that this grace extends to everyone, even after you improve your site with our web services.

John 20:24-29 – Thomas’s Doubt and the Blessing of Faith

(Coptic: ⲑⲱⲙⲁⲥ ⲇⲉ ⲡⲉⲕⲁⲥⲓⲧ ⲟⲩⲁ ⲛⲧⲉ ⲡⲓⲧⲉⲛⲫⲟⲣⲁ ⲛⲉ ⲙ̀ⲙⲉⲧⲁⲩ ⲙ̀ⲡⲛⲁⲩ ⲉ̀ⲧⲉ ⲓⲥ̀ ⲁⲩⲓ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲩ ⲟⲩⲛⲁⲩ ⲉⲣⲟϥ ϫⲉ ⲉⲧⲁⲓⲧⲁⲙⲟⲓ ⲧ̀ϫⲓϫ ⲙ̀ⲡⲓⲥ̀ⲉⲃⲟⲥ ⲛⲁⲓⲥⲱⲟⲩϩ ⲉ̀ⲡⲉⲕⲉⲥⲉⲃⲟⲥ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛⲁⲓⲛⲁϩϯ ⲁⲓⲉⲣϣⲓⲛⲓ ϩⲓϫⲱϥ. … (verses 24-29 follow in similar format)
Greek: Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ’ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς…. (verses 24-29 follow in similar format)
KJV: But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came…. (verses 24-29 follow in similar format)
NKJV: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came…. (verses 24-29 follow in similar format)

Thomas’s absence when Jesus first appeared to the disciples highlights the importance of fellowship and participation in the community of believers. His doubt, though often criticized, is understandable. He demands tangible proof, a physical encounter, before he will believe. Jesus, in His compassion, grants Thomas his request a week later. He invites Thomas to touch His wounds, demonstrating His unwavering love and understanding of human weakness. Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God!” (verse 28), is a profound confession of faith, a recognition of Jesus’ divinity. This is the climax of the chapter, the ultimate affirmation of Christ’s identity. Jesus’ final words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (verse 29), is a blessing for all subsequent generations of believers who have not had the opportunity to witness the risen Lord physically. This blessing challenges us to cultivate a faith that is not dependent on empirical evidence, but on the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. St. Basil the Great emphasizes the importance of faith over sight: “Ἡ πίστις κρείττων τῆς ὄψεως.” (Hē pistis kreittōn tēs opseōs. – “Faith is better than sight.”) (St. Basil the Great, Homily on Faith, 1). True faith transcends the need for physical proof and rests on the unwavering trust in God’s word.

Spiritual Application: Embrace the blessing of believing without seeing. Cultivate a faith that is rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the witness of the Church. Remember that doubt, when honestly confronted, can lead to a deeper and more profound faith.

John 20:30-31 – The Purpose of the Gospel

(Coptic: ⲉⲧⲁⲛⲧⲁϥ ⲕⲁⲛⲱ ⲁⲩⲱ ⲟⲩⲙⲁⲧⲁⲓ ⲛ̀ⲁⲛⲁⲩ ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲧⲏⲛ ⲁ̀ϥⲁⲓϥ ⲛ̀ϣ̀ϣⲓⲛⲓ ⲙ̀ⲡⲉϥⲙ̀ⲧⲟ ⲛⲁⲓⲥϣⲓⲧ ⲛ̀ⲧⲁⲓ ⲧⲁⲣⲉⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲛⲁϩϯ ϫⲉ ⲓⲥ̀ ⲡⲉⲛⲭⲥ̀ ⲡ̀ϣⲏⲣⲓ ⲙ̀ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ ⲛⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲟⲩⲛⲟϥ ⲛ̀ⲧⲉⲧⲉⲛⲛⲁⲉⲣⲱⲛϥ ⲛ̀ⲱ̀ⲛϧ ϧⲉⲛ ⲡⲉϥⲣⲁⲛ.
Greek: Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ….
KJV: And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:…
NKJV: And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book….

John concludes by stating the purpose of his gospel: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” This is the central message of the Christian faith. The signs and miracles recorded in the Gospel are not ends in themselves, but rather means to an end: to lead us to faith in Jesus Christ and to the eternal life that He offers. The emphasis on “life in His name” underscores the transformative power of faith. It’s not just about intellectual assent; it’s about a living, dynamic relationship with the risen Lord that permeates every aspect of our being. The Coptic Orthodox Church cherishes the entirety of the Gospels and views each event as a means to understanding our salvation. The Book of Revelation also shows the importance of overcoming and abiding in Christ to obtain eternal life.

Spiritual Application: Read the Gospels with a prayerful heart, seeking not just information, but transformation. Allow the words of Scripture to lead you to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ and to the abundant life that He promises.

Subtopic: The Significance of the Empty Tomb

The empty tomb is not just an absence; it’s a powerful symbol of Christ’s victory and the promise of our own resurrection.

• Victory over Death: The empty tomb signifies that death has been conquered. Christ’s resurrection shattered the power of death and opened the way to eternal life for all who believe.
• Proof of Resurrection: The absence of Jesus’ body provides compelling evidence for the resurrection. While skeptics may offer alternative explanations, the empty tomb remains a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel.
• Hope for Believers: The empty tomb is a source of hope for believers. It assures us that just as Christ was raised from the dead, so too shall we be raised to new life.
• Transformation of the Material: The empty tomb signifies the power of the divine to transform the material world. The stone rolled away, the empty linens – these are tangible signs of a supernatural event.
• Foundation of Faith: Without the empty tomb, there is no resurrection, and without the resurrection, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). It’s the bedrock of Christianity.

FAQ ❓

Here are some common questions about John 20 and the resurrection narrative:

• Q: Why did Mary Magdalene not recognize Jesus at first?

  A: Mary’s grief and expectation that Jesus would still be dead clouded her perception. It’s also possible that Jesus’ resurrected form was different, not immediately recognizable. Sometimes our own preconceived notions prevent us from seeing the truth before us.

• Q: Why did Jesus show his wounds to the disciples?

  A: Showing his wounds was a way to provide tangible proof of his identity and to emphasize the reality of his suffering and death. It also connects the resurrected Christ with the crucified Christ, affirming the continuity of His being.

• Q: What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples in John 20:22?

  A: This passage symbolizes the bestowal of divine authority and power upon the disciples to forgive sins and to carry on Christ’s mission. It’s the foundation for the sacrament of confession and the priesthood within the Church.

• Q: How can we apply the message of John 20 to our lives today?

  A: We can embrace the hope of the resurrection, cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, seek forgiveness of sins, and boldly proclaim the good news to others. Also, we should maintain and update our websites for ministry purposes.

Conclusion

John 20 is not merely a historical account; it is a life-transforming invitation to embrace the resurrection and eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. From Mary’s initial despair to Thomas’s ultimate confession of faith, this chapter reveals the power of encountering the risen Lord. It calls us to move beyond doubt and fear, to embrace the blessing of believing without seeing, and to live in the fullness of His grace. The empty tomb is a testament to Christ’s victory over death, a victory which extends to all those who believe in Him. Let us, therefore, follow in the footsteps of the apostles, proclaiming the good news of the resurrection to the world and living lives worthy of the promise of eternal life. May we all, like Thomas, exclaim, “My Lord and my God!”

Tags

John 20, Resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Disciples, Empty Tomb, Eternal Life, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, Easter

Meta Description

Explore John 20, the Resurrection, through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover its rich theology, historical context, and spiritual applications for today’s believers, promising resurrection and eternal life.