³³ That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven^(A) and those with them gathered together, ³⁴ who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” ^{(B) 35} Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.^(C)

The Reality of the Risen Jesus

³⁶ As^(D) they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace^(E) to you!” ³⁷ But they were startled and terrified^(F) and thought they were seeing a ghost.^{(G) 38} “Why are you troubled?”^(H) he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself!^(I) Touch me and see,^(J) because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” ⁴⁰ Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,^{[a] 43} and he took it and ate in their presence.

⁴⁴ He told them, “These are my words^(K) that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,^(L) and the Psalms^(M) must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds^(N) to understand^(O) the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He also said to them, “This is what is written:^[b] The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day,^{(P) 47} and repentance for^[c] forgiveness of sins^(Q) will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations,^(R) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(S) 48} You are witnesses^(T) of these things. ⁴⁹ And look, I am sending you^[d] what my Father promised.^(U) As for you, stay in the city^[e] until you are empowered^[f](V) from on high.”

Thomas Sees and Believes

²⁴ But Thomas^(A) (called “Twin”^[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails,^(B) and put my hand into his side,^(C) I will never believe.”^(D)

²⁶ A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”^(E)

²⁸ Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

A Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A) Because of his great mercy^(B) he has given us new birth^(C) into a living hope^(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead^{(E) 4} and into an inheritance that is imperishable,^(F) undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven^(G) for you. ⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power^(H) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.^{(I) 6} You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials^{(J) 7} so that the proven character of your faith^(K)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire^(L)—may result^(M) in praise, glory, and honor^(N) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.^{(O) 8} Though you have not seen^(P) him, you love him;^(Q) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice^(R) with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets,^(S) who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. ¹¹ They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ^(T) within them was indicating when he testified in advance^(U) to the sufferings of Christ^(V) and the glories^(W) that would follow.^{[b] 12} It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you^(X) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven^(Y)—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.