[narses]

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ “

[Arthur McGowan]

Of course, Jesus also gave the Apostles the gift of telepathy, so they would never, ever have to hear anybody’s confession.

[af_vet_1981]

Yes, the Jewish apostles who walked with Jesus and were eyewitnesses of his resurrection were delegated extraordinary power and authority, as it is written. Their word could be life or death. Matthew 19:28 has them sitting on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.