Forgiving & Retaining Sins for Others: What is meant by the verse about forgiving and retaining other's sins? [John 20:23, Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 18:18]. Apostle Paul's Authority: Do you think that, if Jesus is saying that the Apostles had special authority, would it also apply to Apostle Paul, since he wasn't one of the twelve? [John 20:23].