Why did Jesus gave authority to his disciples to forgive sins?
I thought only God can forgive sins?
John 20:23
ESV - 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.
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Asked October 10 2013
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Vincent Mercado
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For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Tony Flores
I believe that Jesus was telling the Diciples that sin has to be forgiven at the individual level also. That sin is the cause for death, but forgiveness of sin between the individuals takes away our fear and stress etc...
Bryan Myers
God is the only one that forgives sin. When read and studied in proper context, these passages translated binding and loosing actually refer to discipline within the church; which is something that many today shy away from.
Ruslan Vingert
John 20:23 i believe refers to this experience:
1 Corinthians 5
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
I believe this is a good example in the new testament of john 20:23