Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repeated greeting of "Peace be with you" isn't just a casual hello; it's Jesus intentionally speaking peace over the disciples a third time, especially for Thomas, who missed the first offer. This highlights Jesus' patience and desire to draw the doubter into the community's shared experience of His presence.
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This scene unfolds a week after Jesus' first appearance to his disciples without Thomas, highlighting a significant moment: the Lord's Day is becoming established as a day of assembly. Jesus returns, miraculously appearing to the group again while the doors are shut, this time with the doubting Thomas present. This repetition emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and offers a second chance for Thomas and the others to experience the risen Christ's peace.
The disciples are gathered again, and Jesus shows up. But what's significant about when this happens?
This event marks a pivotal moment in Christian history – the informal inauguration of 'The Lord's Day,' which we now know as Sunday.
The disciples are scared, hiding behind locked doors. Then Jesus appears. What does His presence and greeting reveal?
Jesus' appearance and His greeting of 'Peace be with you' are profoundly significant, especially given the locked doors and the disciples' fearful state.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A traditional Hebrew greeting (Shalom) that signifies wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation, which Jesus extends to His disciples as the result of His finished work on the cross.
This event occurs on the 'Lord's Day,' the first day of the week, which the disciples were beginning to observe as a special day of worship shortly after Jesus' resurrection. Jesus' repeated appearances on this day validate its significance for the emerging Christian community.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities and buried in a tomb, marking the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of a period of grief and uncertainty for his followers.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
On the first day of the week, Jesus is raised from the dead. He appears to Mary Magdalene and later to his disciples, though Thomas is absent from this initial appearance.
c. AD 30— this verse
Second Appearance to Disciples
Eight days after His resurrection, Jesus appears again to His disciples. This time, Thomas is present and directly witnesses Jesus' resurrected body, overcoming his doubt.
c. AD 30 - 33
The Great Commission and Ascension
Over the next few weeks, Jesus continues to appear to his disciples, instructing them and commissioning them to spread the Gospel. He eventually ascends into heaven.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Ten days after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to begin their ministry. This event marks the formal birth of the Church.
This verse describes Jesus' first appearance to the disciples after his resurrection, also occurring while the doors were locked and he offered them peace, setting the stage for this later encounter.
Luke 24:36-43This passage details Jesus appearing to his disciples, showing himself to them, and eating with them to prove he was not a ghost, highlighting Jesus' tangible resurrected body.
1 Corinthians 15:5-7Paul lists Jesus appearing to many, including a specific appearance to 'the twelve,' which this event in John is understood to be, affirming the reality of the resurrection appearances.
Acts 1:3This verse states that Jesus presented himself alive to his disciples through many proofs over forty days after his passion, of which John 20:19 and 20:26 are specific examples.
John 14:27Jesus had previously promised his disciples 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,' making his repeated greeting of 'Peace be with you' in John 20:19 and 20:26 a direct fulfillment of his words.
barnesJohn 20:26: "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
And after eight days again - That is, on the return of the first day of the week. From this it appears that they thus early set apart this day for assembling together, and Jesus countenanced it by appearing twice with them. It was natural that the apostles should observe this day, but not probable that they would do…
cambridgeJohn 20:26: "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
26 . after eight days ] Including both extremes, according to the Jewish method. This is therefore the Sunday following Easter Day. We are not to understand that the disciples had not met together during the interval, but that there is no appearance of Jesus to record. The first step is here taken towards establishi…
The repeated greeting of "Peace be with you" isn't just a casual hello; it's Jesus intentionally speaking peace over the disciples a third time, especially for Thomas, who missed the first offer. This highlights Jesus' patience and desire to draw the doubter into the community's shared experience of His presence.
This scene unfolds a week after Jesus' first appearance to his disciples without Thomas, highlighting a significant moment: the Lord's Day is becoming established as a day of assembly. Jesus returns, miraculously appearing to the group again while the doors are shut, this time with the doubting Thomas present. This repetition emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and offers a second chance for Thomas and the others to experience the risen Christ's peace.
This scene unfolds a week after Jesus' first appearance to his disciples without Thomas, highlighting a significant moment: the Lord's Day is becoming established as a day of assembly. Jesus returns, miraculously appearing to the group again while the doors are shut, this time with the doubting Thomas present. This repetition emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and offers a second chance for Thomas and the others to experience the risen Christ's peace.
"Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”" — The repeated greeting of "Peace be with you" isn't just a casual hello; it's Jesus intentionally speaking peace over the disciples a third time, especially for Thomas, who missed the first offer. T…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026