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I. WHEN HE APPEARED.

1. When they had been acting unworthily by fleeing from Him at His betrayal, and deserting Him at His trial.

2. When they were unprepared, and unbelieving, doubting His express promise, and refusing the testimony of His messengers.

3. When they greatly needed His presence, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.

4. When they were exercising the little life they had by coming together in loving assembly. So far they were doing well, and acting in a way which was likely to bring blessing.

5. When they were lamenting His absence, and thus proving their desire after Him. This is an admirable means of gaining His presence.

6. When certain among them were testifying concerning Him. Are not we in a similar condition? May we not hopefully look for our Lord's manifestation of Himself?

II. WHAT HE SAID. "Peace be unto you."

1. It was a benediction: He wished them peace,

2. It was a declaration: they were at peace with God.

3. It was a fiat; He inspired them with peace.

4. It was an absolution: He blotted out all offences which might have spoiled their peace.

III. WHAT CAME OF HIS APPEARING.

1. He banished their doubts. Even Thomas had to shake off his obstinate unbelief.

2. He revealed and sealed His love upon their hearts by showing them His hands and His feet.

3. He refreshed their memories. "These are the words which I spoke unto you" (verse 44).

4. He opened their understandings (verse 45).

5. He showed them their position. "Ye are witnesses of these things" (verse 48).

6. He filled them with joy (John 20:20).

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KJV: And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

WEB: As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."