Bible Commentary

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. 24. Father ] Comp. Joh 17:1 ; Joh 17:5 ; Joh 17:11, Joh 11:41, Joh 12:27. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:24”

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. 23. I in them, and thou in me ] And therefore, ‘Thou in them and they in Thee.’ made perfect … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:23”

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 22. Having prayed for them with a view to their unity, He states what He Himself has done for them with the same end in view. gavest ] Better, hast given (see on Joh … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:22”

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. 21. That they all may be one ] This is the purpose rather than the purport of the prayer: Christ prays … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:21”

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 20 26. The Prayer for the whole Church 20. Neither pray I for these alone ] More accurately, But not concerning these only do I pray (see on Joh 14:16). The limitation stated in Joh 17:9 is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:20”

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 19. sanctify ] Or, consecrate, as in Joh 17:17. Christ does for Himself that which He prays the Father to do for His disciples. In Joh 10:36 He speaks of Himself as consecrated by the Father; set apart for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:19”

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 18. As thou hast sent ] Better, Even as Thou didst send. Comp. Joh 10:36. even so have I also sent ] Better, I also did send. Comp. Joh 20:21, Joh 15:9. The Apostles had already received … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:18”

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 17. Sanctify ] Or, consecrate. The word expresses God’s destination of them for their work and His endowment of them with the powers necessary for their work. The word is used of God’s consecration of Jeremiah, Moses, and the chosen people (Jer 1:5; Sir 49:7 ; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:17”

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 16. They are not world ] What was stated in Joh 17:14 as the reason for the world’s hatred is repeated here as the introduction to a new and more definite petition; not merely protection, but sanctification. There is a slight … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:16”

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 15. I pray not ] See on Joh 14:16. The nature of the protection is made clear to the listening disciples; not exemption from attack and temptation, but freedom from the permanent influence of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 17:15”