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Joh 20:23. Ἄν τινων) if of certain persons [“Whosesoever”].-ἀφῆτε· κρατῆτε, ye remit-ye retain) See note on Mat 16:19, “The binding and loosing,” and “the keys,” are given to Peter alone. [Comp. Mat 18:18, ‘Loose,’ and ‘bind,’ where subsequently, after the transfiguration, (1) the binding and (2) loosing are given also to the disciples in common; the loosing to be exercised chiefly by prayer in the name of Christ (John 20). Now, after the resurrection, the order is reversed since the gate of salvation is opened, and the power is given (1) to remit, (2) to retain. See Hos 13:12].-ἀφίενται-κεκράτηνται, are remitted-have been retained) The former is present: the latter, preterite [a distinction lost in the Engl. Vers.] The world IS under sin; comp. ch. Joh 3:18; Joh 3:36, “He that believeth not is condemned already:” “The wrath of God abideth on him;” Joh 15:6, “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth-and withered [viz. already, ἐβλήθη, ἐξηράνθη; not merely, he shall be]. No prophet of the Old Testament ever received so comprehensive a power as the apostles received in this place. [These latter, on account of their profound power of searching into minds, and on account of the extraordinary measure of that power imparted to them,-there being added besides manifest miracles, and these such miracles as strike the senses,-were able in a manner altogether peculiar to themselves either to remit or to retain. Nor, however, is power of this kind not applicable to (nor does it not belong to) all, who are endued with the Holy Spirit, whether they discharge the public duty of the ministry of the word, or do not. Nay, but the word of the Gospel can be available for the remission of sins to those who yield themselves up to the influence of the Holy Spirit, even though it be not applied by the mediation of ministers: Mar 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved, but he that believeth not, shall be damned;” and Luk 24:47, “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name,” are parallel to this passage.[399]-V. g.]
[399] Which therefore is not to be interpreted of sacerdotal absolution and penance.-E. and T.