So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that Peter and the other disciple were coming toward the tomb, not that they had arrived. This subtle detail highlights the ongoing journey and eagerness of their search, rather than just their destination. It paints a picture of movement and anticipation as they raced to understand the unbelievable news.
So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Mary Magdalene has just run from the empty tomb to tell Peter and the other disciple (John) what she saw, so they immediately set out for the garden tomb. The Greek indicates they were in the process of traveling, with John, the younger, running ahead of Peter as they hurried towards the tomb to see for themselves. This urgent, almost competitive, dash to the grave is the beginning of their investigation into Jesus' resurrection.
Why did one disciple outrun the other to the tomb? This isn't just a race; it's a picture of the heart's response to the resurrection news.
The Gospel of John paints a vivid picture of Peter and the "other disciple" (traditionally John) rushing to the empty tomb after Mary Magdalene’s report.
What does it mean to 'go out' and 'come toward' the tomb? It's more than just a physical journey; it's an active pursuit of truth.
The simple verbs describing Peter and John's actions reveal a profound shift from stunned grief to active investigation.
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c. AD 30
Jesus Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified and buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower. This event marks the culmination of His earthly ministry.
c. AD 30, early Sunday morning
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is raised from the dead by God's power. This is the central event of Christian faith, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating Jesus' divine authority.
c. AD 30, Sunday morning— this verse
Mary Magdalene visits the Tomb
Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb is empty and rushes to tell Jesus' disciples, Peter and John, initiating their urgent journey to the tomb.
c. AD 30, Sunday morning
Peter and John Race to the Tomb
Upon hearing Mary's report, Peter and John run together to the tomb. John, the younger, arrives first but waits for Peter, who then enters the tomb.
c. AD 30, Sunday afternoon
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus, now resurrected, appears to His disciples, including Peter and John, in Jerusalem. He shows them His wounds and commissions them.
c. AD 30-33
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus continues to appear to various individuals and groups over a period of about 40 days, solidifying their belief in His resurrection before His ascension.
This passage in Luke highlights Peter's solitary trip to the tomb, emphasizing his individual impulse to verify the resurrection, which complements John's account of him going with the other disciple.
1 Corinthians 15:5-7This section lists various appearances of the resurrected Christ to His disciples, including Peter, which underscores the significance of Peter's personal investigation of the tomb as part of the early confirmation of the resurrection.
John 11:16Here, Thomas's bold declaration, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him,' mirrors the determined spirit of Peter and John as they 'went forth' to the tomb, showing a willingness to face potential danger for the sake of truth.
1 John 1:1The 'other disciple,' identified as John, emphasizes that he is testifying to what he has seen and heard. His presence and actions at the tomb, as described in John 20:3, are foundational to his witness of Jesus' resurrection.
vincentJohn 20:3: "Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre."
Came to (ἤρχοντο εἰς)Wrong. The tense is the imperfect; they were coming. Rev., they went toward.
cambridgeJohn 20:3: "Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre."
3 . and that … sepulcher ] Better, and the other disciple, and they were coming towards the sepulcher .
The text emphasizes that Peter and the other disciple were coming toward the tomb, not that they had arrived. This subtle detail highlights the ongoing journey and eagerness of their search, rather than just their destination. It paints a picture of movement and anticipation as they raced to understand the unbelievable news.
Mary Magdalene has just run from the empty tomb to tell Peter and the other disciple (John) what she saw, so they immediately set out for the garden tomb. The Greek indicates they were in the process of traveling, with John, the younger, running ahead of Peter as they hurried towards the tomb to see for themselves. This urgent, almost competitive, dash to the grave is the beginning of their investigation into Jesus' resurrection.
Mary Magdalene has just run from the empty tomb to tell Peter and the other disciple (John) what she saw, so they immediately set out for the garden tomb. The Greek indicates they were in the process of traveling, with John, the younger, running ahead of Peter as they hurried towards the tomb to see for themselves. This urgent, almost competitive, dash to the grave is the beginning of their investigation into Jesus' resurrection.
"So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb." — The text emphasizes that Peter and the other disciple were coming toward the tomb, not that they had arrived. This subtle detail highlights the ongoing journey and eagerness of their search, rather…
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Last reviewed October 2026