This exceptionally fine cantata was composed in Leipzig for the first Sunday after Easter, receiving its first performance there on April 8, 1725. The unidentified librettist's text of BWV 42 ("Then the same Sabbath at evening") is taken from the opening words of the Gospel for the day, John 20:19-23, which relates the story of the risen Christ's appearance to the fearful disciples. The scoring is for two oboes, bassoon, strings and bass continuo with the usual SATB vocal forces. Unusually for the cantatas of this period, most of which are chorale cantatas, there is only a single chorus, placed at the end of the work. This is a four-part chorale setting drawn from two sources, Martin Luther's translation of the antiphon "Da pacem, Domine," and a prayer for peace by Johann Walther. Equally rare for a cantata in this cycle is Bach's introductory instrumental sinfonia, an extended piece with concertante parts for the oboes and bassoons, and which may have formed part of a lost concerto. It is in da capo form, with a central lyrical section contrasting with the more animated outer parts. This is followed by a narrative recitative for tenor commencing with the words which give the cantata its name. The long succeeding alto aria also employs the oboes and bassoon in a soloistic role. The text is a contemplative commentary on the words of the recitative ("When two or three are assembled") in two parts, an Adagio followed by a central Andante. Then comes a duet marked chorale for tenor and soprano accompanied by bassoon, cello, and continuo. The text is based on a hymn by the seventeenth-century poet Jakob Fabricius (1632), and makes reference to the disciples' fear, calling on man to stand fast against trembling that "will not last for long." This is elaborated upon by the final solo numbers, a recitative and aria for bass, the powerful recitative and emphatically sturdy character of the aria reminding the faithful that "Jesus is a shield unto his people."

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