The Son of Man's Authority to Forgive Sins

The Bible says that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus tells a paralytic that his sins are forgiven, then contrasts that statement with commanding him to rise and walk. Each account states that this is so people may know of the Son of Man's authority to forgive sins on earth: Matthew 9:2, Matthew 9:5, Matthew 9:6; Mark 2:5, Mark 2:9, Mark 2:10; Luke 5:20, Luke 5:23, Luke 5:24. John also records words about forgiving or retaining sins: John 20:23.