Hello all, I have been away for awhile, had an eye injury at work and can finally see again.
Anyway if I can offer some input here....
I have just read through the posts on this thread, and something caught my attention here. I was taught many years ago, concerning John 20:22, that when Jesus "breathed" on/in them, He was teaching them "how" to receive the gift of holy spirit. This was symbolic of breathing in and speaking words from God. This they were to do on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4
1 Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(NKJ)
The "rushing mighty wind", could be literal, or the sound of them "breathing in", to receive the promise.
It is evident that Peter and all the disciples were changed after receiving the promise of holy spirit as you can see from these verses.
John 20:19
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
(NKJ)
Acts 2:14
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
(NKJ)
I love the change in Peter, who a few days earlier was behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, then after receiving the gift of holy spirit he had great boldness. The evidence was their "speaking in other tongues", which is one of the manefestations of holy spirit. There are eight others of which you probably know....
When a Christian is filled with "power from on high" and knows it, the result is boldness...
Acts 4:13
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
(NKJ)
Acts 4:29
29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
(NKJ)
Acts 4:31
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(NKJ)
Sorry if I went overboard here....