It is my purpose to give an exposition of Chapter 20 verse 21-23 of the fourth Gospel in the course of this study, but before turning to these verses it will be necessary to consider the Johannine Literature1 as a whole, with the endeavour of discovering its scope, its central theme and its relation to John 20:21-23. My aim is to open up the Scriptures in such a way that the reader will be able to enter into the meaning of what God has recorded for our learning in this part of His Holy Word, and to edify those who are members of the community of faith, 2 so that this community fully grasp the importance of Christ’s commissioning the apostles and enduing the apostles. / Prof. J.A. du Rand