All Disciples Were Sent Forth With Equal Power, Not Just The Apostles.

John 20: 19-23 -  Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. [20] And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. [22]When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. [23] Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

Protestant Christian Understanding: All Disciples were sent forth with equal power.

Catholic Christian Understanding: All Apostles were given apostolic authority.  They were all given a special mission from God.  Now the question here is, who is God speaking to when he says "Disciples"?

Throughout the Bible, the word usage of "Disciples" at some points referred to all of His followers and those beyond the Apostles.  However, in the context of this passage and what was being said, Christ clearly is only talking to His 12 Apostles and telling them to go forth and as the priesthood of the church forgive sins.  Christ is not speaking to ALL believers in this passage, that would be taking this passage completely out of context.  Christ was only addressing the 12 Apostles.