Common misinterpretations include seeing Jesus as a mere ghost or apparition due to entering shut doors, which undermines the physical reality of his resurrection later confirmed by touch and eating; portraying the disciples' fear as cowardice rather than prudent caution amid real persecution threats; or reducing the 'peace' greeting to casual reassurance, ignoring its profound Hebrew shalom connotation of wholeness, reconciliation with God, and empowerment for mission, sometimes even twisting it to justify hiding faith or avoiding evangelism.
John 20:19
King James Version (1769)
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, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
This passage reveals the resurrected Jesus appearing miraculously to his disciples on the evening of Resurrection Sunday, entering a locked room where they hid in fear of Jewish authorities, and greeting them with 'Peace be unto you' to calm their terror and affirm his bodily victory over death, demonstrating his divine power to transcend physical barriers while reassuring his followers of his living presence and the peace he imparts as the Prince of Peace.