John 20:3-4 - Exposition

Peter therefore went forth ( ἐξῆλθεν , aorist). This is a fact affirmed also by Luke ( Luke 24:12 ), "But Peter arose and ran to the sepulcher." John adds, and the other disciple joined Peter, filled with a common amazement, and ( ἤρχοντο , imperfect) they went on their way toward the sepulcher. Now they were running ( ἔτρεχον , imperfect) both of them together: and the other disciple did outrun —or, literally, ran in advance, more quickly than— Peter, and came first to the sepulcher . The opponents of this Gospel supply numerous suggestions, with the view of obliterating this natural and lifelike touch. ( εἰς is used instead of the πρὸς of verse 2 or the ἐπὶ of Luke 24:1 ; but it is clear from the form of the following sentence, that ἦ;θεν εἰς is different in meaning from εἰσῆλθεν εἰς , and does not mean "right into," but "towards.") John, as the younger man, would soon outstrip the elderly disciple; and he simply records what in one sense is an insignificant detail, but one that could never be forgotten by him. There is no disposition to magnify himself, as Peter's part is obviously the more conspicuous. John runs more rapidly from his youth, the fervor of his nature, and the warmth of his affection; the reflection that he might have directly to convey the strange news to the mother of his Lord assisted to hurry him.