1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
1 These words G5023 spake G2980 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 lifted up G1869 his G846 eyes G3788 to G1519 heaven, G3772 and G2532 said, G2036 Father, G3962 the hour G5610 is come; G2064 glorify G1392 thy G4675 Son, G5207 that G2443 thy G4675 Son G5207 also G2532 may glorify G1392 thee: G4571
2 As G2531 thou hast given G1325 him G846 power G1849 over all G3956 flesh, G4561 that G2443 he should give G1325 eternal G166 life G2222 to G3739 as many as G3956 G846 thou hast given G1325 him. G846
3 And G1161 this G3778 is G2076 life G2222 eternal, G166 that G2443 they might know G1097 thee G4571 the only G3441 true G228 God, G2316 and G2532 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 whom G3739 thou hast sent. G649
4 I G1473 have glorified G1392 thee G4571 on G1909 the earth: G1093 I have finished G5048 the work G2041 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 to G2443 do. G4160
5 And G2532 now, G3568 O Father, G3962 glorify G1392 thou G4771 me G3165 with G3844 thine own self G4572 with the glory G1391 which G3739 I had G2192 with G3844 thee G4671 before G4253 the world G2889 was. G1511
6 I have manifested G5319 thy G4675 name G3686 unto the men G444 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 out of G1537 the world: G2889 thine G4674 they were, G2258 and G2532 thou gavest G1325 them G846 me; G1698 and G2532 they have kept G5083 thy G4675 word. G3056
7 Now G3568 they have known G1097 that G3754 all things G3956 whatsoever G3745 thou hast given G1325 me G3427 are G2076 of G3844 thee. G4675
8 For G3754 I have given G1325 unto them G846 the words G4487 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me; G3427 and G2532 they G846 have received G2983 them, and G2532 have known G1097 surely G230 that G3754 I came out G1831 from G3844 thee, G4675 and G2532 they have believed G4100 that G3754 thou G4771 didst send G649 me. G3165
9 I G1473 pray G2065 for G4012 them: G846 I pray G2065 not G3756 for G4012 the world, G2889 but G235 for G4012 them which G3739 thou hast given G1325 me; G3427 for G3754 they are G1526 thine. G4674
10 And G2532 all G3956 mine G1699 are G2076 thine, G4674 and G2532 thine G4674 are mine; G1699 and G2532 I am glorified G1392 in G1722 them. G846
11 And G2532 now G3765 I am G1510 no more G3765 in G1722 the world, G2889 but G2532 these G3778 are G1526 in G1722 the world, G2889 and G2532 I G1473 come G2064 to G4314 thee. G4571 Holy G40 Father, G3962 keep G5083 through G1722 thine own G4675 name G3686 those G846 whom G3739 thou hast given G1325 me, G3427 that G2443 they may be G5600 one, G1520 as G2531 we G2249 are.
12 While G3753 I was G2252 with G3326 them G846 in G1722 the world, G2889 I G1473 kept G5083 them G846 in G1722 thy G4675 name: G3686 those that G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 I have kept, G5442 and G2532 none G3762 of G1537 them G846 is lost, G622 but G1508 the son G5207 of perdition; G684 that G2443 the scripture G1124 might be fulfilled. G4137
13 And G1161 now G3568 come I G2064 to G4314 thee; G4571 and G2532 these things G5023 I speak G2980 in G1722 the world, G2889 that G2443 they might have G2192 my G1699 joy G5479 fulfilled G4137 in G1722 themselves. G846
14 I G1473 have given G1325 them G846 thy G4675 word; G3056 and G2532 the world G2889 hath hated G3404 them, G846 because G3754 they are G1526 not G3756 of G1537 the world, G2889 even as G2531 I G1473 am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the world. G2889
15 I pray G2065 not G3756 that G2443 thou shouldest take G142 them G846 out of G1537 the world, G2889 but G235 that G2443 thou shouldest keep G5083 them G846 from G1537 the evil. G4190
16 They are G1526 not G3756 of G1537 the world, G2889 even as G2531 I G1473 am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the world. G2889
17 Sanctify G37 them G846 through G1722 thy G4675 truth: G225 thy G4674 word G3056 is G2076 truth. G225
18 As G2531 thou hast sent G649 me G1691 into G1519 the world, G2889 even so G2504 have G649 I also G2504 sent G649 them G846 into G1519 the world. G2889
19 And G2532 for G5228 their G846 sakes G5228 I G1473 sanctify G37 myself, G1683 that G2443 they G846 also G2532 might G5600 be sanctified G37 through G1722 the truth. G225
20 Neither G1161 G3756 pray I G2065 for G4012 these G5130 alone, G3440 but G235 for G4012 them also G2532 which shall believe G4100 on G1519 me G1691 through G1223 their G846 word; G3056
21 That G2443 they all G3956 may be G5600 one; G1520 as G2531 thou, G4771 Father, G3962 art in G1722 me, G1698 and I G2504 in G1722 thee, G4671 that G2443 they G846 also G2532 may be G5600 one G1520 in G1722 us: G2254 that G2443 the world G2889 may believe G4100 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me. G3165
22 And G2532 the glory G1391 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 I G1473 have given G1325 them; G846 that G2443 they may be G5600 one, G1520 even as G2531 we G2249 are G2070 one: G1520
23 I G1473 in G1722 them, G846 and G2532 thou G4771 in G1722 me, G1698 that G2443 they may be G5600 made perfect G5048 in G1519 one; G1520 and G2532 that G2443 the world G2889 may know G1097 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me, G3165 and G2532 hast loved G25 them, G846 as G2531 thou hast loved G25 me. G1691
24 Father, G3962 I will G2309 that G2443 they also, G2548 whom G3739 thou hast given G1325 me, G3427 be G5600 with G3326 me G1700 where G3699 I G1473 am; G1510 that G2443 they may behold G2334 my G1699 glory, G1391 which G3739 thou hast given G1325 me: G3427 for G3754 thou lovedst G25 me G3165 before G4253 the foundation G2602 of the world. G2889
25 G2532 O righteous G1342 Father, G3962 the world G2889 hath G1097 not G3756 known G1097 thee: G4571 but G1161 I G1473 have known G1097 thee, G4571 and G2532 these G3778 have known G1097 that G3754 thou G4771 hast sent G649 me. G3165
26 And G2532 I have declared G1107 unto them G846 thy G4675 name, G3686 and G2532 will declare G1107 it: that G2443 the love G26 wherewith G3739 thou hast loved G25 me G3165 may be G5600 in G1722 them, G846 and I G2504 in G1722 them. G846
1 These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee:
2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life.
3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, `even' Jesus Christ.
4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do.
5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6 I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word.
7 Now they know that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are from thee:
8 for the words which thou gavest me I have given unto them; and they received `them', and knew of a truth that I came forth from thee, and they believed that thou didst send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine:
10 and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them.
11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we `are'.
12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'.
16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word;
21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.
22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we `are' one;
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me.
24 Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me;
26 and I made known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them.
1 These things spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to the heaven, and said -- `Father, the hour hath come, glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee,
2 according as Thou didst give to him authority over all flesh, that -- all that Thou hast given to him -- he may give to them life age-during;
3 and this is the life age-during, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and him whom Thou didst send -- Jesus Christ;
4 I did glorify Thee on the earth, the work I did finish that Thou hast given me, that I may do `it'.
5 `And now, glorify me, Thou Father, with Thyself, with the glory that I had before the world was, with Thee;
6 I did manifest Thy name to the men whom Thou hast given to me out of the world; Thine they were, and to me Thou hast given them, and Thy word they have kept;
7 now they have known that all things, as many as Thou hast given to me, are from Thee,
8 because the sayings that Thou hast given to me, I have given to them, and they themselves received, and have known truly, that from Thee I came forth, and they did believe that Thou didst send me.
9 `I ask in regard to them; not in regard to the world do I ask, but in regard to those whom Thou hast given to me, because Thine they are,
10 and all mine are Thine, and Thine `are' mine, and I have been glorified in them;
11 and no more am I in the world, and these are in the world, and I come unto Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, whom Thou hast given to me, that they may be one as we;
12 when I was with them in the world, I was keeping them in Thy name; those whom Thou hast given to me I did guard, and none of them was destroyed, except the son of the destruction, that the Writing may be fulfilled.
13 `And now unto Thee I come, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves;
14 I have given to them Thy word, and the world did hate them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world;
15 I do not ask that Thou mayest take them out of the world, but that Thou mayest keep them out of the evil.
16 `Of the world they are not, as I of the world am not;
17 sanctify them in Thy truth, Thy word is truth;
18 as Thou didst send me to the world, I also did send them to the world;
19 and for them do I sanctify myself, that they also themselves may be sanctified in truth.
20 `And not in regard to these alone do I ask, but also in regard to those who shall be believing, through their word, in me;
21 that they all may be one, as Thou Father `art' in me, and I in Thee; that they also in us may be one, that the world may believe that Thou didst send me.
22 `And I, the glory that thou hast given to me, have given to them, that they may be one as we are one;
23 I in them, and Thou in me, that they may be perfected into one, and that the world may know that Thou didst send me, and didst love them as Thou didst love me.
24 `Father, those whom Thou hast given to me, I will that where I am they also may be with me, that they may behold my glory that Thou didst give to me, because Thou didst love me before the foundation of the world.
25 `Righteous Father, also the world did not know Thee, and I knew Thee, and these have known that Thou didst send me,
26 and I made known to them Thy name, and will make known, that the love with which Thou lovedst me in them may be, and I in them.'
1 These things Jesus spoke, and lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee;
2 as thou hast given him authority over all flesh, that [as to] all that thou hast given to him, he should give them life eternal.
3 And this is the eternal life, that they should know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified *thee* on the earth, I have completed the work which thou gavest me that I should do it;
5 and now glorify *me*, *thou* Father, along with thyself, with the glory which I had along with thee before the world was.
6 I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world. They were thine, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word.
7 Now they have known that all things that thou hast given me are of thee;
8 for the words which thou hast given me I have given them, and they have received [them], and have known truly that I came out from thee, and have believed that thou sentest me.
9 I demand concerning them; I do not demand concerning the world, but concerning those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine,
10 (and all that is mine is thine, and [all] that is thine mine,) and I am glorified in them.
11 And I am no longer in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one as we.
12 When I was with them I kept them in thy name; those thou hast given me I have guarded, and not one of them has perished, but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 And now I come to thee. And these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in them.
14 I have given them thy word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
15 I do not demand that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them out of evil.
16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them by the truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world;
19 and I sanctify myself for them, that they also may be sanctified by truth.
20 And I do not demand for these only, but also for those who believe on me through their word;
21 that they may be all one, as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given them, that they may be one, as we are one;
23 I in them and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one [and] that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and [that] thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, [as to] those whom thou hast given me, I desire that where I am they also may be with me, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before [the] foundation of [the] world.
25 Righteous Father, -- and the world has not known thee, but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26 And I have made known to them thy name, and will make [it] known; that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them.
1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.
6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you,
8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me.
9 I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.
11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.
14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.
19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;
23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.
24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.
26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."
1 Jesus said these things; then, lifting his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the time has now come; give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you:
2 Even as you gave him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all those whom you have given to him.
3 And this is eternal life: to have knowledge of you, the only true God, and of him whom you have sent, even Jesus Christ.
4 I have given you glory on the earth, having done all the work which you gave me to do.
5 And now, Father, let me have glory with you, even that glory which I had with you before the world was.
6 I have given knowledge of your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world: yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your words.
7 Now it is clear to them that whatever you have given to me comes from you:
8 Because I have given them the words which you gave to me; and they have taken them to heart, and have certain knowledge that I came from you, and they have faith that you sent me.
9 My prayer is for them: my prayer is not for the world, but for those whom you have given to me, because they are yours
10 (All mine are yours, and yours are mine) and I have glory in them.
11 And now I will be no longer in the world, but they are in the world and I come to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name which you have given to me, so that they may be one even as we are one.
12 While I was with them I kept them safe in your name which you have given to me: I took care of them and not one of them has come to destruction, but only the son of destruction, so that the Writings might come true.
13 And now I come to you; and these things I say in the world so that they may have my joy complete in them.
14 I have given your word to them; and they are hated by the world, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 My prayer is not that you will take them out of the world, but that you will keep them from the Evil One.
16 They are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
17 Make them holy by the true word: your word is the true word.
18 Even as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
19 And for them I make myself holy, so that they may be made truly holy.
20 My prayer is not for them only, but for all who will have faith in me through their word;
21 May they all be one! Even as you, Father, are in me and I am in you, so let them be in us, so that all men may come to have faith that you sent me.
22 And the glory which you have given to me I have given to them, so that they may be one even as we are one;
23 I in them, and you in me, so that they may be made completely one, and so that it may become clear to all men that you have sent me and that they are loved by you as I am loved by you.
24 Father, it is my desire that these whom you have given to me may be by my side where I am, so that they may see my glory which you have given to me, because you had love for me before the world came into being.
25 Father of righteousness, I have knowledge of you, though the world has not; and to these it is clear that you sent me;
26 And I have given to them knowledge of your name, and will give it, so that the love which you have for me may be in them and I in them.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on John 17
Commentary on John 17 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 17
Joh 17:1-26. The Intercessory Prayer.
(See on Joh 14:1). Had this prayer not been recorded, what reverential reader would not have exclaimed, Oh, to have been within hearing of such a prayer as that must have been, which wound up the whole of His past ministry and formed the point of transition to the dark scenes which immediately followed! But here it is, and with such signature of the Lips that uttered it that we seem rather to hear it from Himself than read it from the pen of His faithful reporter.
1-3. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes—"John very seldom depicts the gestures or looks of our Lord, as here. But this was an occasion of which the impression was indelible, and the upward look could not be passed over" [Alford].
Father, the hour is come—(See on Joh 13:31, 32).
glorify thy Son—Put honor upon Thy Son, by countenancing, sustaining, and carrying Him through that "hour."
2. given—gavest
him power over all flesh—(See on Mt 11:27; Mt 28:18-20).
give eternal life to as many as, &c.—literally, "to all that which thou hast given him." (See on Joh 6:37-40).
3. this is—that.
life eternal, that they might—may.
know, &c.—This life eternal, then, is not mere conscious and unending existence, but a life of acquaintance with God in Christ (Job 22:21).
thee, the only true God—the sole personal living God; in glorious contrast equally with heathen polytheism, philosophic naturalism, and mystic pantheism.
and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent—This is the only place where our Lord gives Himself this compound name, afterwards so current in apostolic preaching and writing. Here the terms are used in their strict signification—"Jesus," because He "saves His people from their sins"; "Christ," as anointed with the measureless fulness of the Holy Ghost for the exercise of His saving offices (see on Mt 1:16); "Whom Thou hast sent," in the plenitude of Divine Authority and Power, to save. "The very juxtaposition here of Jesus Christ with the Father is a proof, by implication, of our Lord's Godhead. The knowledge of God and a creature could not be eternal life, and such an association of the one with the other would be inconceivable" [Alford].
4, 5. I have glorified thee on the earth—rather, "I glorified" (for the thing is conceived as now past).
I have finished—I finished.
the work which thou gavest me to do—It is very important to preserve in the translation the past tense, used in the original, otherwise it might be thought that the work already "finished" was only what He had done before uttering that prayer; whereas it will be observed that our Lord speaks throughout as already beyond this present scene (Joh 17:12, &c.), and so must be supposed to include in His "finished work" the "decease which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem."
5. And now—in return.
glorify thou me—The "I Thee" and "Thou Me" are so placed in the original, each beside its fellow, as to show that A PERFECT RECIPROCITY OF SERVICES of the Son to the Father first, and then of the Father to the Son in return, is what our Lord means here to express.
with the glory which I had with thee before the world was—when "in the beginning the Word was with God" (Joh 1:1), "the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father" (Joh 1:18). With this pre-existent glory, which He veiled on earth, He asks to be reinvested, the design of the veiling being accomplished—not, however, simply as before, but now in our nature.
6-8. From praying for Himself He now comes to pray for His disciples.
I have manifested—I manifested.
thy name—His whole character towards mankind.
to the men thou gavest me out of the world—(See on Joh 6:37-40).
8. they … have known surely that I came out from thee—(See on Joh 16:29; Joh 16:31).
9-14. I pray for them—not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age (see on Joh 17:20).
not for the world—for they had been given Him "out of the world" (Joh 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such.
10. all mine are thine, and thine are mine—literally, "All My things are Thine and Thy things are Mine." (On this use of the neuter gender, see on Joh 6:37-40). Absolute COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY between the Father and the Son is here expressed as nakedly as words can do it. (See on Joh 17:5).
11. I am no more in the world—(See on Joh 17:4).
but these are in the world—that is, Though My struggles are at an end, theirs are not; though I have gotten beyond the scene of strife, I cannot sever Myself in spirit from them, left behind and only just entering on their great conflict.
Holy Father—an expression He nowhere else uses. "Father" is His wonted appellation, but "Holy" is here prefixed, because His appeal was to that perfection of the Father's nature, to "keep" or preserve them from being tainted by the unholy atmosphere of "the world" they were still in.
keep through thine own name—rather, "in thy name"; in the exercise of that gracious and holy character for which He was known.
that they may be one—(See on Joh 17:21).
12. I kept—guarded.
them in thy name—acting as Thy Representative on earth.
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition—It is not implied here that the son of perdition was one of those whom the Father had given to the Son, but rather the contrary (Joh 13:18) [Webster and Wilkinson]. It is just as in Lu 4:26, 27, where we are not to suppose that the woman of Sarepta (in Sidon) was one of the widows of Israel, nor Naaman the Syrian one of the lepers in Israel, though the language—the same as here—might seem to express it.
son of perdition—doomed to it (2Th 2:3; Mr 14:21).
13. I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves—that is, Such a strain befits rather the upper sanctuary than the scene of conflict; but I speak so "in the world," that My joy, the joy I experience in knowing that such intercessions are to be made for them by their absent Lord, may be tasted by those who now hear them, and by all who shall hereafter read the record of them,
15-19. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world—for that, though it would secure their own safety, would leave the world unblessed by their testimony.
but … keep them from the evil—all evil in and of the world.
16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world—(See Joh 15:18, 19). This is reiterated here, to pave the way for the prayer which follows.
17. Sanctify them—As the former prayer, "Keep them," was "negative," asking protection for them from the poisonous element which surrounded and pressed upon their renewed nature, so this prayer, "Sanctify them," is positive, asking the advancement and completion of their begun sanctification.
through—in.
thy truth—God's revealed truth, as the medium or element of sanctification; a statement this of immense importance.
thy word is truth—(Compare Joh 15:3; Col 1:5; Eph 1:13).
18. As thou hast sent—sentest.
me into the world, even so have I also sent them—sent I also them.
into the world—As their mission was to carry into effect the purposes of their Master's mission, so our Lord speaks of the authority in both cases as co-ordinate.
19. And for their sakes I sanctify—consecrate.
myself that they also might—may.
be sanctified—consecrated. The only difference between the application of the same term to Christ and the disciples is, as applied to Christ, that it means only to "consecrate"; whereas, in application to the disciples, it means to consecrate with the additional idea of previous sanctification, since nothing but what is holy can be presented as an offering. The whole self-sacrificing work of the disciples appears here as a mere result of the offering of Christ [Olshausen].
through—in.
the truth—Though the article is wanting in the original here, we are not to translate, as in the Margin, "truly sanctified"; for the reference seems plainly to be "the truth" mentioned in Joh 17:17. (See on Joh 17:17).
20-23. Neither pray I for these alone—This very important explanation, uttered in condescension to the hearers and readers of this prayer in all time, is meant not merely of what follows, but of the whole prayer.
them also which shall believe—The majority of the best manuscripts read "which believe," all future time being viewed as present, while the present is viewed as past and gone.
21. that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us—The indwelling Spirit of the Father and the Son is the one perfect bond of union, knitting up into a living unity, first all believers amongst themselves; next, this unity into one still higher, with the Father and the Son. (Observe, that Christ never mixes Himself up with His disciples as He associates Himself with the Father, but says I in THEM and THEY in US).
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me—sentest me. So the grand impression upon the world at large, that the mission of Christ is divine, is to be made by the unity of His disciples. Of course, then, it must be something that shall be visible or perceptible to the world. What is it, then? Not certainly a merely formal, mechanical unity of ecclesiastical machinery. For as that may, and to a large extent does, exist in both the Western and Eastern churches, with little of the Spirit of Christ, yea much, much with which the Spirit of Christ cannot dwell so instead of convincing the world beyond its own pale of the divinity of the Gospel, it generates infidelity to a large extent within its own bosom. But the Spirit of Christ, illuminating, transforming, and reigning in the hearts of the genuine disciples of Christ, drawing them to each other as members of one family, and prompting them to loving co-operation for the good of the world—this is what, when sufficiently glowing and extended, shall force conviction upon the world that Christianity is divine. Doubtless, the more that differences among Christians disappear—the more they can agree even in minor matters—the impression upon the world may be expected to be greater. But it is not dependent upon this; for living and loving oneness in Christ is sometimes more touchingly seen even amidst and in spite of minor differences, than where no such differences exist to try the strength of their deeper unity. Yet till this living brotherhood in Christ shall show itself strong enough to destroy the sectarianism, selfishness, carnality, and apathy that eat out the heart of Christianity in all the visible sections of it, in vain shall we expect the world to be overawed by it. It is when "the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high," as a Spirit of truth and love, and upon all parts of the Christian territory alike, melting down differences and heart burnings, kindling astonishment and shame at past unfruitfulness, drawing forth longings of catholic affection, and yearnings over a world lying in wickedness, embodying themselves in palpable forms and active measures—it is then that we may expect the effect here announced to be produced, and then it will be irresistible. Should not Christians ponder these things? Should not the same mind be in them which was also in Christ Jesus about this matter? Should not His prayer be theirs?
22. And the glory which thou gavest—hast given.
me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one—The last clause shows the meaning of the first. It is not the future glory of the heavenly state, but the secret of that present unity just before spoken of; the glory, therefore, of the indwelling Spirit of Christ; the glory of an accepted state, of a holy character, of every grace.
23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one—(See on Joh 17:21).
24-26. Father, I will—The majesty of this style of speaking is quite transparent. No petty criticism will be allowed to fritter it away in any but superficial or perverted readers.
be with me where I am—(See on Joh 14:3).
that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me—(See on Joh 17:5). Christ regards it as glory enough for us to be admitted to see and gaze for ever upon His glory! This is "the beatific vision"; but it shall be no mere vision, for "we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is" (1Jo 3:2).
25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee—knew thee not.
but I have known thee—knew thee.
and these have known—knew.
that thou hast sent—sentest
me—As before He said "Holy Father," when desiring the display of that perfection on His disciples (Joh 17:11), so here He styles Him "Righteous Father," because He is appealing to His righteousness or justice, to make a distinction between those two diametrically opposite classes—"the world," on the one hand, which would not "know the Father, though brought so nigh to it in the Son of His love, and, on the other, Himself, who recognized and owned Him, and even His disciples, who owned His mission from the Father.
26. And I have declared—I made known or communicated.
thy name—in His past ministry.
and will declare it—in yet larger measure, by the gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost and through all succeeding ages.
that the love wherewith thou hast loved—lovedst.
me may be in them, and I in them—This eternal love of the Father, resting first on Christ, is by His Spirit imparted to and takes up its permanent abode in all that believe in Him; and "He abiding in them and they in Him" (Joh 15:5), they are "one Spirit." "With this lofty thought the Redeemer closes His prayer for His disciples, and in them for His Church through all ages. He has compressed into the last moments given Him for conversation with His own the most sublime and glorious sentiments ever uttered by mortal lips. But hardly has the sound of the last word died away, when He passes with the disciples over the brook Kedron to Gethsemane—and the bitter conflict draws on. The seed of the new world must be sown in Death, that thence Life may spring up" [Olshausen].