Book of John - Chapter 20 - Verse 22

When Jesus breathed on his disciples and told them to receive the Holy Ghost, he was bestowing upon them the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. This act symbolized the granting of spiritual authority to the disciples, empowering them to carry out the mission that Jesus had given them. The Holy Spirit is considered to be the third person of the Holy Trinity in Christian theology, representing the presence of God in the world and in the lives of believers. By receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples were equipped to preach the gospel, perform miracles, and fulfill the purpose for which Jesus had called them. This moment marked the beginning of the disciples' ministry and their role in spreading the teachings of Jesus to the world.

Some theological interpretations of the verse 'And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:' focus on the symbolism behind Jesus breathing on his disciples. This gesture is reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam in the creation story, signifying a new creation or spiritual rebirth. The act of breathing also underscores the intimate connection between Jesus and his disciples, as the breath can represent the Holy Spirit. The phrase 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost' emphasizes the impartation of the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples for their ministry. In Hebrew, the word for "spirit" is 'ruach' and in Greek, it is 'pneuma', both of which have the dual meaning of 'wind' or 'breath', further connecting the act of breathing with the presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse is often seen as a prelude to Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples with power and authority to spread the message of Jesus.