It does raise some questions.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus blew on them. The Greek word here is pneuma which is the same word for Spirit and breath. The words and actions here are reminiscent of when God breathed into Adam and gave him life. It was the only part of man that was not created. Life was something that was given. By God.
And here in the same way, Jesus is breathing on the people and giving them the Holy Spirit. What he was saying is that He once again is giving them life through the Spirit. Not just their bodies but their spirit.
Then why did he just a little bit later tell them to wait for the Holy Spirit if he just gave them the Holy Spirit? We really don’t know for sure. Perhaps this was temporary to carry them through until the Holy Spirit came in power in a more permanent way? It’s one of those mysteries. And it’s not a big issue as we don’t ever see this discussed or mentioned by any other Biblical writers.
But let’s do take a short side trail for a minute. I’ve been in charismatic gatherings before where people go around and blow on you. It’s quite unpleasant. And weird.
Besides that, Jesus blew on the Bible because he was God. He was the Creator and imparter of life. Not man. Those who go around blowing on others miss this point. It’s not their job or place. They are not Creator God.
But Jesus is. And He is basically saying new life is coming. That’s exciting.