John 20:23 is a verse that has been interpreted in different ways by various Christian traditions throughout history. The verse reads: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” This statement was made by Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection. There are two main ways this verse has been understood:
1. The Catholic/Orthodox View
The Catholic and Orthodox churches have historically understood this verse to mean that Jesus gave his disciples, and their successors (bishops and priests), the authority to forgive sins. This is a power called “the power of the keys.” They base this on the parallel between John 20:23 and Matthew 16:19 where Jesus tells Peter he will give him “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Catholics and Orthodox believe John 20:23 gives priests and bishops the authority to hear confessions and pronounce God’s forgiveness of sins.
According to this view, the church has the power to both forgive and withhold forgiveness on God’s behalf based on a person’s repentance and contrition. The priest or bishop is acting as God’s representative in pronouncing forgiveness or withholding it. When a priest or bishop pronounces God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of confession, it is as valid as if God himself spoke the words. This is seen as part of the apostolic authority passed down through apostolic succession.
Based on this interpretation, Catholics and Orthodox see regular confession of sins to a priest as an important part of the Christian life. Only someone ordained with this apostolic authority can pronounce sacramental absolution.
2. The Protestant View
Most Protestant traditions do not believe John 20:23 gives church leaders authority to forgive sins. Rather, they see this verse as simply describing the task of proclaiming the gospel. Protestants base their view on other Bible passages that indicate all believers can boldly approach God and find forgiveness directly (Hebrews 4:16), and that there is only one mediator between God and man – Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
According to this interpretation, John 20:23 means that disciples of Jesus are called to proclaim the forgiveness of sins available through Christ. As they preach the gospel, those who believe and repent of their sins will be forgiven by God. Those who reject the gospel of Christ will not be forgiven.
From this perspective, no human priest or pastor has the power to forgive sins – that is God’s prerogative alone. Pastors and ministers merely declare the forgiveness of sins that is already available to those who repent.
Based on this view, Protestants emphasize direct confession of sins to God himself rather than routinely to church leaders. The pastor’s role is to proclaim forgiveness, not bestow it.
3. Differences in How the Two Views Play Out
These two perspectives lead to very different ecclesiology and soteriology (views of the church and salvation):
- Catholics/Orthodox emphasize a priestly, sacramental role in forgiving sins and dispensing grace.
- Protestants emphasize direct access to God for forgiveness through Christ alone.
- Catholics/Orthodox see grace and forgiveness coming through participation in the sacraments administered by priests.
- Protestants see forgiveness occurring directly between the believer and God, without human mediators.
- Catholics/Orthodox believe periodic auricular confession to a priest is necessary for full forgiveness.
- Protestants believe confession to God alone is sufficient.
So in summary, those from Catholic/Orthodox traditions interpret John 20:23 as instituting the sacrament of confession and giving priests authority to forgive sins. Protestants interpret it as referring to the general task of proclaiming the forgiveness available in the gospel, without giving human leaders direct sacramental power to forgive.
4. Other Views on John 20:23
There are some other Christian perspectives on this verse as well:
- Pentecostal View – Some Pentecostals believe this verse gives direction on exercising the gift of “word of knowledge” to identify specific sins for exhortation and counsel.
- Reformed View – Some Reformed teachers see this verse as primarily referring to the “office of the keys” – the authority of church leadership to admit or deny membership based on profession of faith and conduct.
- Church Discipline View – Some see this verse as mainly referring to the authority of church leadership to excommunicate those under unrepentant sin.
There are reasons why each of these interpretations could fit the text, but also potential concerns. The main schools of thought remain the Catholic/Orthodox sacramental view and the Protestant proclamational view.
5. Factors That Shape the Differing Views
Why is there so much disagreement on the meaning of this important verse? There are some key factors that have shaped the various perspectives:
- Church Tradition – How a tradition has historically understood a text or doctrine often influences interpretation.
- Ecclesiology – Differing views of the role, authority and structure of the church impacts understanding.
- Sacramental Theology – How a tradition views the number and role of sacraments shapes interpretation.
- Priesthood – Views on the permanence of the apostolic priestly office versus the priesthood of all believers affects interpretation.
- Church Practice – Current traditions and practices of a church provide theological and interpretive context.
So Catholics see John 20:23 through the lens of historic tradition, a hierarchical church structure, seven sacraments, a ministerial priesthood, and the current practice of confession to clergy. Protestants see it through the lens of direct access to God, priesthood of all believers, two sacraments, no clergy/lay distinction, and current lack of required confession. These larger frameworks shape each perspective.
6. Ways Christians Can Reasonably Discuss Our Differences
Since this verse is complex and understood differently by various Christian groups, it needs to be discussed with care and humility:
- Acknowledge that wise, honest believers differ on the meaning.
- Seek to truly understand the reasoning and frameworks behind each view before critiquing.
- Recognize the values behind each interpretation – authority vs democracy, structure vs freedom – without dismissing either.
- Avoid seeing differences as necessarily dividing – unity around the gospel is possible here.
- Affirm that only honest study, prayer and intellectual humility will bring insight.
- Maintain that no human interpretive authority can replace the role of Scripture and Spirit.
Christians who discuss John 20:23 with grace and truth can gain mutual understanding and respect, even in continued disagreement. The text and topic are complex – absolute certainty in interpretation may not be possible. But we can pursue truth together.
7. Conclusion: Central Aspects All Christians Agree On
Despite differing views on John 20:23, some central aspects of understanding sin and forgiveness in Christianity remain on which all agree:
- Forgiveness of sins is only available because of Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.
- God graciously extends forgiveness to all who repent of sin and believe in Christ.
- The means of securing forgiveness should never overshadow the role of Christ as sole mediator.
- Believers have the privilege and duty to proclaim the gospel of forgiveness to the world.
- Forgiveness from God brings freedom, joy and the promise of eternal life.
If discussants remain focused on these biblical essentials, debates over John 20:23’s precise meaning need not divide genuine believers in Christ. There is room for principled disagreement within overall unity in the gospel.
