John 20:23

If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; ¹  if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.” ² 

Mt 16:19; Mt 18:18; Mr 2:5-10; Ac 2:38; Ac 10:43; Ac 13:38,39; 1Co 5:4; 2Co 2:6-10; Eph 2:20; 1Ti 1:20

¹ tn Grk “they are forgiven to them.” The words “to them” are unnecessary in English and somewhat redundant.

² sn The statement by Jesus about forgive or retaining anyone’s sins finds its closest parallel in Matt 16:19 and 18:18. This is probably not referring to apostolic power to forgive or retain the sins of individuals (as it is sometimes understood), but to the “power” of proclaiming this forgiveness which was entrusted to the disciples. This is consistent with the idea that the disciples are to carry on the ministry of Jesus after he has departed from the world and returned to the Father, a theme which occurred in the Farewell Discourse (cf. 15:27, 16:1-4, and 17:18).