Bible Commentaries
John 17

Verse 1

THE LORD’S INTERCESSORY PRAYER V. 1-27 (verses 1-5 for His own glorification)

1) "These words spake Jesus," (tauta elalesen lesous) "These things Jesus spoke," a claim to inspiration, by John the writer, John 21:24; 1 John 1:1-3.

2) "And lifted up his eyes to heaven," (kai eparas tous ophtalmous autou eis ton ouranon) "And he lifted up his eyes toward heaven," the most intimate form of address, from where He had come down, 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 4:9-10.

3) "And said, Father, the hour is come;" (eipen pater eleluthen he hora) "He (then) said, Father, the hour or appointed time has come," for my crucifixion and burial and my trust in you to raise me up, John 3:14-15; John 12:31. That you may be vindicated and glorified through me in my resurrection, John 2:22-23.

4) "Glorify thy Son," (doksason sou ton huion) "Glorify your Son," who has been on your earthly mission for a season, John 1:14; John 3:16-17; Galatians 4:4-5. Raise thy Son up in glory, which the Father did, Acts 2:24. It involved His death, burial, and resurrection, and ascension to His throne of present mediation, Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2.

5) "That thy Son also may glorify thee:" (hin ho huios doksase se) "In order that the Son may glorify you," or cause you to appear to be glorious; He came to do the Father’s will, and did it unto the end, John 6:38; John 3:15; John 4:10; Romans 8:11.

In John 17:1-5 Jesus prays that the Father may glorify Him; In John 17:6-19 He prayed that the Father might glorify His disciples, as a church, and in John 17:20-26 He prayed that the Father might glorify those who believed on Him through the ministry of the church.

Verse 2

1) "As thou hast given him power over all flesh," (kathos edokas auto eksousian pases sarkos) "Just as you gave him authority over all flesh," administrative judgment over all men, over the human race, John 3:35; John 5:22; John 5:27.

2) "That he should give eternal life," (hina dose autois zoen aionion) "In order that he may give to them (of all flesh) eternal life," John 10:27-29; 1 John 5:13. Jesus has five gifts to offer to every believer: 1) Eternal life, John 17:2; John 2) The Father’s name, John 17:6; John 17:26; John 20:17; John 3) The Father’s word, John 17:8; John 17:14; John 4) His own joy, John 17:13; John , 5) His own glory, John 17:22.

3) "To as many as thou hast given him." (pan ho dedokas auto) "That is, to all those whom you have given to Him," drawn by the Father, John 6:44, even to each of those who comes to, or believes in, trusts Him, John 6:37; John 6:45; Deuteronomy 18:15; Deuteronomy 18:19; Revelation 22:17; Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 11:28.

Verse 3

1) "And this is life eternal," (aute de estin he aionios zoe) "And this is (exists in essence as) eternal life,’’ which believers receive from Him, and may know that they have it, John 3:14-15; John 10:27-29; 1 John 5:13.

2) "That they might know thee the only true God," (hina ginoskosin se ton monon alethinon theon) "in order that they may know you the only true God," the essence, sum and joy of eternal life through Christ, 1 John 5:20, in whom alone men should trust and glory, 1 Corinthians 8:6; Jeremiah 9:23-24. He is "the only true God," in contrast with "many false gods," Psalms 115:4; Psalms 115:9; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.

3) "And Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (kai apesteilas lesoun Christon) "And he whom you did send, Jesus Christ," to redeem or ransom the lost to you, Luke 19:10; John 3:17; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 3:14.

Verse 4

1) "I have glorified thee on the earth:" (ego se edoksasa epi tes ges) I glorified you upon the earth," or honored you as the source and power of all my words and works, not myself, John 14:13.

2) "I have finished the work," (to ergon teleiosas) "I have accomplished, finished, or completed the work," earthly toil and labors, and was, in less than twenty four hours, during that same day, to finish His earthly life of redemptive or reconciliation work by giving it up, voluntarily, John 10:18; He is so resigned or given to it that He regards it as already done, John 19:30; Daniel 9:24.

3) "Which thou gavest me to do." (ho dedokas moi hina poieso) ’’Which you gave or doled out to me in order that I should do," in making His soul an offering for sin, Isaiah 53:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 14:31; 1 Timothy 2:6; Philippians 2:5-7

Verse 5

1) "And now, 0 Father, glorify thou me," (kai nun doksason me su pater) "And now and hereafter, Father you glorify me," restore me to that glory, glory state from which I came down, 2 Corinthians 8:9.

2) "With thine own self," (para seauto) ’’Alongside or with yourself." in close comradeship with you, John 1:1. This indicates the character of glorification He sought, a restoration to His former estate with the Father, indicating one of joy and companionship.

3) "With the glory which I had with thee," (te dokse he eichion) “With the glory I had, held, or possessed with you.” One we enjoyed, sharing your throne, your estate, or your kingdom, from which I came down to earth, Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:10.

4) "Before the world was." (pro tou ton kosmon) ’’Before or prior to the world," prior to the existence of the world. (einai para soi) "To be (exist) alongside or with you.’’ In this statement He reflected His eternal existence, being, and Sonship, in the Godhead bodily, Colossians 2:9; John 1:14; Colossians 1:19.

Verse 6

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS CHURCH DISCIPLES V. 6-19

1) "I have manifested thy name," (epanerosa sou to onoma) "I manifested your name," as the true God; have acknowledged your authority. I have made clear and plain the essence of your nature and your attributes of Holiness, Love, and Justice, John 17:26; Psalms 22:22.

2) "Unto the men which thou gavest me," (tois anthropos hous edokas moi) "To those men (human beings) whom you gave to me," those whom I have called and chosen, John 15:16; John 15:27. These were those whom He specifically called My Church, Matthew 16:18; The Light of the World, The Salt of the Earth, Matthew 5:13-16; The Vine, John 15:1-27; and His House, Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6; Ephesians 2:19-22.

3) "Out of the world:" (ek tou kosmou) "Out of the world," the selfish, covetous, greed-order of the world, John 15:19.

4) "Thine they were and thou gavest them me;" (soi hesan kamoi autous edokas) "They were yours and you gave them to me," yours to care and provide for, as all souls belong to you, though marred and scarred by sin, Ezekiel 18:4; La 3:22; Acts 17:28.

5) "And they have kept thy word." (kai ton logon sou teterekan) "And they have kept (or guarded as a sentinel) your word." They had kept the revelation of God that had come to them through John the Baptist, the Holy Scriptures, and through Jesus Christ. How graciously our Lord commended the word and work of His church-disci pies to the Father; and He still does, because they do His work, keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight, John 14:15; John 15:14; James 1:22; 1 John 3:22; Hebrews 3:6.

LIFE’S WORK WELL DONE

1. Every man has a work to do for God in this world. 2. The secret of every great and true life lies in grasping this truth. 3. Life’s work and worth should not be underestimated. 4. We may have part in the best achievements of our race and time, if we work for God, 5. God plans a division of labor for His children. 6. The seriousness of living.

Silcox.

Verse 7

1) "Now they have known," (nun egnokan) "Now and for the future they have known," and have a continuing awareness or knowledge, now confirmed by experience, 2 Peter 1:16. The more light one obeys the more is revealed to him.

2) "That all things whatsoever thou hast given me," (hoti panta hosa dedokas moi) "That all things that is as many as you have given to me," honor, and glory, and power, in fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies and performing the miracles that He performed and doing the teaching that He did, 2 Peter 1:17-18; John 20:30-31; John 5:26; John 5:36-37; John 6:39; John 8:28.

3) "Are of thee." (para sou eisin) "They are (or exist) from alongside you," from your authorization, 1 Corinthians 8:6. They knew that He, His miracles, and His teachings were from the Father, therefore they should honor His Father in their mission He was giving over to them, John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20.

Verse 8

1) "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me;" (hoti ta hermata ha edokas moi dedoka autois) "Because the words (of direction) that you gave to me I have doled out to them," shared with them, John 5:19; John 7:16; John 8:28; John 12:49.

2) "And they have received them," (kai autoi elabon) ’’And they (as my disciples, my house, my bride, my church) have received them," been faithful to embrace them, John 1:12; John 16:30; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:15-16; John 6:69; John 11:27; Acts 9:20.

3) "And have known surely that I came out from thee," (kai egnosan alethos hoti para soul ekselthon) "And they have truly, surely, or certainly known that I came forth from alongside you," from your presence, John 3:16-17; by the things I have taught, the things I have done, and their own experience of trust in me, John 6:68; John 16:30.

4) "And they have believed," (kai episteusan) "And they believed," and continue to believe or trust, John 1:12; John 20:30-31.

5) "That thou didst send me." (hoti su me apesteilas) "That you sent, commissioned, or mandated me," vs. 3, to come into the world, as that prophet who was to come, Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Galatians 4:4-5; John 20:21. He was that sent one, that predicted teacher.

Verse 9

1) "I pray for them:" (ego peri auton eroto) "I make request (of you) concerning them;" He prays for them, His own church-people, chosen witnesses first, 2 Timothy 2:19.

2) "I pray not for the world," (ou peri tou kosmou eroto) "I do not make a request or petition concerning the world," at this time, 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 5:19; Though He later prayed for His crucifiers, as He taught His early church to pray for their enemies, Luke 23:34; Matthew 5:44.

3) "But for them which thou hast given me;" (alla peri hon dedokas moi) "But concerning those whom you have given directly to me," John 1:12, through your word and your Spirit, Proverbs 1:20-31; Romans 2:4; John 6:37; John 6:45.

4) "For they are thine." (hoti soi eisin) "Because they are yours," belong to you, as your children, John 1:12; Galatians 3:26.

Verse 10

1) "And all mine are thine," (kai ta ema panta sa estin) "And all things are (exist as) yours," are, or belong to God the Father, 1 Corinthians 3:23; for "ye belong to Christ," Mark 9:41.

2) "And thine are mine;" (kai ta se ema) "And your things are (exist as) mine," John 16:15, a thing that could not be claimed by a mere creature, Mark 9:41.

3) "And I am glorified in them." (kai dedoksasmai en autois) "And I have been glorified in them," or caused to be honored and praised in them, Matthew 16:16; John 6:68; I am praised in their redemption and in their testimony, already, as my church, my flock, Galatians 1:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:19; John 21:19.

Verse 11

1) "And now I am no more in the world," (kai ouketi eimi en to kosmo) "And no longer am I in the world," as this was His last day on earth before His death, the world order over which the devil is the ruler, (temporary) despot, Luke 4:6; 2 Corinthians 4:4. He had bidden farewell to the world, to witness no more, or to work no further miracle for the world.

2) "But these are in the world," (kai autoi en to kosmo eisin) "And yet they are (exist) in the world," in the midst of the world that lieth in darkness, or in that wicked one, 1 John 5:19; to which they are to be sent to bear His Gospel, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8. To it they would be yet exposed.

3) "And I come to thee," (kago pros se erchomai) "And I come directly to you," of my own choosing, will, and accord, to pray for them whom He had chosen to be His witnesses, and whom He should so soon leave, John 15:16; John 15:26-27.

4) "Holy Father, keep through thine own name," (patera hagie tereson autous en to onomati sou) "Holy Father, guard (with an angel sentinel) them in your name," or by your authority, Divinely protect them, 1 Peter 1:5; Preserve them in the faith and in their labors, Judges 1:24-25; Psalms 34:7.

5) "Those whom thou hast given me," (ho dedokas moi) "The ones whom you have given to me," John 17:6; John 6:37; John 6:45.

6) "That they may be one, as we are." (hina hosin hen kathos hemeis) "In order that they may be (exist as) one, just as we do," one in unison and harmony, without conflict or division, in the "unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace," Ephesians 4:1-6; They could thereby be an effective witness to the world.

Verse 12

1) "While I was with them in the world," (hoe emen met’ auton) "When I was with and among them," was preaching, teaching, and laboring among them, as their protector, friend, and guide.

2) "I kept them in thy name:" (ego eteroun autous en to onomati) I kept them (guarded them as a shepherd or sentinel soldier) in your name," by instruction, encouragement, and guarding them from error, from the beginning of His teaching ministry, begun in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 7:29.

3) "Those that thou gavest me I have kept," (sou ho dedokas moi kai ephulaksa) "Those which you gave to me I also have guarded, kept, or shielded," against the malicious charges of the Pharisees and Sadducees, for plucking grain and eating it on the Sabbath, and for their eating with unwashed hands, etc., Matthew 7:5-23; Mark 2:23-28.

4) "And none of them is lost," (kai oudeis eks auton apoleto) "And not even one of them perished or exists as a lost one," or ever will be, John 5:24; John 10:27-29; 1 John 5:13. Would that every shepherd could turn in such a report at the end of his life, 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:1-4.

5) "But the son of perdition," (ei me ho huios tes apoleias) "Except the heir-son of perdition," a term meaning "devoted to perdition," that one Jesus identified as "a devil," Judas Iscariot, John 6:70-71; John 13:2; John 13:27.

6) "That the scriptures might be fulfilled." (hina he graphe plerothe) "In order that the scriptures might be fulfilled," as foretold concerning the treachery of the traitor, Judas Iscariot, Psalms 41:9; John 13:18. But the prophetic Scripture would not have been written, had it not been truly foreseen and disclosed to the prophet, by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:21; Psalms 119:160.

Verse 13

1) "And now come I to thee," (nun de pros se erchomai) "Yet, now and for the future, I come to you," by choice, with His prayer more earnest for those who have been chosen, from the beginning, who have been true to Him so long, John 15:16; John 15:26; Acts 1:21-22.

2) "And these things I speak in the world," (kai tauta lalo en to kosmo) "And these things I speak (while) in the world," before I go away, as they listen to the desire of my soul, because I love them, as a church, in a peculiar way, Ephesians 5:25. These things He prayed audibly, while yet with His disciples.

3) "That they might have my joy," (hina echosin ten charan ten emen) "in order that they may have, hold, or possess my joy," John 15:11; John 16:24, which I now behold as if it were now mine, even as I return to your throne to commune further with you on their behalf, Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:2.

4) "Fulfilled in themselves." (pepleromenen en heautois) "Completely fulfilled in themselves," as I have already told them, John 15:11; John 16:24; John 16:33.

Verse 14

1) "I have given them thy word;" (ego dedoka autois ton logon sou) "I have given directly to them your word," which you gave me, which is "true from the beginning," Psalms 119:42; Psalms 119:50; Psalms 119:160-161; Mark 16:15; Acts 4:29; Hebrews 4:12.

2) "And the world hath hated them," (kai ho kosmos emisesen autous) "And the world has hated them," with a continuing hate, as I told them it would, Matthew 5:11-12; John 15:19. The world hates them because of the Revelation of God in Christ through them, as His church, that supplanted the Jewish house (order) and form of worship, Ephesians 3:21; Matthew 5:1-3; Matthew 10:12; Hebrews 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:15.

3) "Because they are not of the world," (hoti ouk ek tou kosmou) "Because they are not (exist not) out of the world order," John 15:18-19. They do not possess its predominating spirit, observe its policies, or share in its fate. Though they are yet carnal, they have the power and presence of the Spirit to lead, guide, and help them, Galatians 5:22-25; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16.

4) "Even as I am not of the world." (kathos ego ouk eimi ek tou kosmou) "Just as I am not (exist not) out of the world order of things. They have my Spirit in them, they are in me, have my eternal nature implanted, John 10:27-29, and ’’love not the world," in its fallen state, order, and impulses

Verse 15

1) "I pray not," (ouk eroto) "I do not request," appeal

to you, Holy Father, in your care for them. John 17:11.

2) "That thou shouldest take them out of the world," (hina ares autous ek tou kosmou) ’’in order that You should take them up and out of the world,’ as you are soon to take me up and out of the world, in your bringing me forth from the grave, and returning me away from them, Romans 8:11; Acts 2:24; Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 3:22; Acts 3:26.

3) "But that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (alla hina tereses autous ek tou ponerou) "But (I do request) in order that you may guard or keep them (as a good shepherd or sentinel-soldier) out of the (power of) the evil one," the Devil, 1 John 2:13; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:17; Matthew 6:13; John 8:44. He was praying especially and definitively for His church disciples who had been chosen by Him, from the beginning, to be witnesses and a witnessing agency to carry on His church work, after they were empowered, after He was gone. This is and was the heart of His sermon, John 14:1 to John 16:33 and the heart of His prayer here, John 14:1-3; John 15:16; John 15:26-27; John 20:21, Acts 1:8-11; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:38-42.

Verse 16

1) "They are not of the world," (ek tou kosmou ouk estin) "They are not out of or having their origin from the world," they did not choose for carnal, covetous, selfish reasons to follow me, as Judas did, John 12:4-6 --- Simply for worldly gain, John 15:19.

2) "Even as I am not of the world." (kathos ego ouk eimi ek tou kosmou) "Just as I am not (do not exist) out of or originating from the world," but came down by Divine command for redemptive purposes, 2 Corinthians 8:9; John 3:17; Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:14.

Verse 17

1) "Sanctify them through thy truth:" (hagiason autous en te aletheia) "Sanctify them in and by means of the truth." Sanctify means to set apart or consecrate as sacred or holy, from profane use, to make sacred or holy and set apart for holy or sacred service; This sanctification is said to be by faith in Jesus Christ, Acts 26:18; by the Word, Ephesians 5:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

2) "Thy word is truth." (ho logos ho sos aletheia estin) "Your word is truth," not only true but also truth in essence of existence, without error, Psalms 119:160-161; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17. His Word is truth, as a rule and guide for life and to salvation, Psalms 119:151; John 18:37-38; Acts 20:32.

Verse 18

1) "As thou hast sent me into the world," (kathos eme apesteilas eis ton kosmon) "Just as you sent commissioned or mandated me into the world," John 17:23; John 17:25, to do a work and I have done it, as of this day, John 17:4-5; John 3:17.

2) "Even so have I also sent them into the world." (kago apesteilas autous eis ton kosmon) "I also sent, mandated, or commissioned them (to go) into the world," all the world, as a chosen church body to disseminate or sow the truth, Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-52; Acts 1:8.

Verse 19

1) "And for their sakes I sanctify myself," (kai huper auton ego hagiazo emauton) "And on their behalf I sanctify myself," as an example of an Holy Life, wholly committed to do your will and work, without selfishness, sin or rebellion, John 6:38; John 10:18; Philippians 2:5-7; Hebrews 7:26. His consecration of Himself was, to His sacrificial death, for every believer, and for the church in particular, Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-26.

2) "That they also might be sanctified in truth." (hina osin kai autoi hegiasmenoi en aletheia) "In order that they also may be having been sanctified in truth," 2 Timothy 2:15; James 5:19 in the province of the word of truth, to do my bidding through the church, to your glory, Colossians 3:16-17; For the church is the pillar and ground, support of the truth, 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 3:21; For His truth "endureth forever," Psalms 117:2.

Verse 20

JESUS PRAYS FOR THOSE WHO WOULD BELIEVE THROUGH HIS CHURCH V. 20-26

1) "Neither pray I for these alone," (ou peri touton de eroto monon) "Yet I make not request concerning these only," John 17:11; John 17:15; John 17:17, these who have already believed, have been chosen as a church body, a fruitbearing vine, John 15:1-12; John 15:26-27.

2) "But for them also which shall believe on me," (alla kai pari ton pisteuonton eis eime) "But also concerning the ones who are believing or trusting in me," and who shall believe in me hereafter; His prayers, earnest petition to the Father, reached forward in time to include you and me, and those who may yet believe.

3) "Through their word;" (dia tou logou auton) "Through the word of them," through their testimony of the truth-word, (eis eime) "by which they trusted in me," and have followed me, as my witnesses through my ministry, to this hour; John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; Acts 10:41. This prayer affirms the future spread of truth, salvation of souls, and growth of the church, under the consecration and empowering on Pentecost, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4.

Verse 21

1) "That they all may be one;" (hina pantes hen osin) "in order that all may be (exist as) one," in unity, harmony, as one flock, united with one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, Ephesians 4:1-5; one in spirit, faith, doctrine, and practice.

2) "As thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee," (kathos su pater en emoi kago en soi) "And just as you, Father, exist in me and I exist in you," to give eternal life to those who believe, John 10:27-29; John 14:9. Truth, the word of truth, is the unifying element that affords cohesion, through the spirit, in building the house or church of Jesus Christ on earth, 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19-22.

3) "That they also may be one in us:" (hina kai autoi en hemin osin) "In order that they may also exist in us," John 10:30, continually in our will and work, as I have in yours, John 6:38; John 4:34; John 17:4-5.

4) "That the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (hina ho kosmos pisteue hoti su me apesteilas) "In order that the world may believe that you did send me," by the life they live, in following me, and the way they let their light shine, Luke 9:23; Matthew 5:15-16; John 13:34-35.

Verse 22

1) "And the glory which thou gavest me," (kago ten doksan hen dedokas moi) "And the glory which you have given to me," as the only begotten Son of you, John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18. It was a distinguishing honor, a crowning glory that He gave to His church, Ephesians 3:21.

2) "I have given them;" (dedoka autois) "I have given (doled out) directly to them," to my church-disciples, my house, my missionary agency of worship and service, Romans 8:18; I have shared it with them, John 17:5; that they may spread it, Ephesians 3:21.

3) "That they may be one," (hina osin hen) "in order that they may be (exist as) one," in unity, harmony, and purpose, a desire for them that He repeated, John 17:21; Ephesians 4:1-5; Romans 12:5.

4) "Even as we are one." (kathos hemeis hen) "Just as we are (exist as) one," John 17:21; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 15:23-24.

Verse 23

1) "I in them, and thou in me," (ego en autois kai su en emoi) "I (exist) in them and you (exist) in me," in unity in the trinity of the Godhead, Colossians 1:15; Colossians 2:7; John 10:27-30.

2) "That they may be made perfect in one;" (hina osin teteleiomenoi eis en) "In order that they may be (or exist) as having been perfected (made mature) in one," one true God, through the Spirit, into a unity and harmony with your Word of truth and will for them, Ephesians 3:1-3; Ephesians 5:15-18.

3) "And that the world may know," (hina ginoske ho kosmos) "In order that the world may know," recognize or realize, by their fervent love for Jesus Christ, the Father, and one another, in harmony with His New Commandment, John 13:34-35; Hebrews 13:1.

4) "That thou hast sent me," (hoti su me apesteilas) "That you did send and have sent me," John 1:14; John 3:17; John 17:3; John 17:8; Galatians 4:4-5.

5) "And hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (kai egapesas autous kathos eme egapesas) "And you did love and have loved them, just as you have loved and do love me," John 3:16; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 John 4:7-10.

Verse 24

1) "Father, I will that they also," (pater thelo hina kakeinoi) "Father I will or earnestly desire in order that those also;" He could now say "I will," while we are to say, "thy will," John 7:17; Philippians 2:5-7; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

2) "Whom thou hast given me," (ho dedokas moi) "Whom you have given to me," both as believers and the church or my bride, Revelation 19:5-9; Ephesians 5:25.

3) "Be with me where I am;" (hopou eimi ego osin me emou) "May be with me where I am," where I am going, in glory, in your estate, John 14:1-3. This is the height, the apex, the consummate goal of Divine blessedness in Christ.

4) "That they may behold my glory," (hina theorosin ten doksan ten emen) "in order that they may observe my glory," as it is restored to me, when I return to you, John 17:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The glory of Christ, even now shared with His disciples, through His church, and through suffering, 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:21.

5) "Which thou hast given me:" (hen dedokas moi) "Which you have given to me," In my birth, John 1:14; In my baptism, Matthew 3:16-17; In my transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-5; And in my resurrection body, as I shall appear before you, 1 Corinthians 15:43; Luke 24:26.

6) "For thou lovest me," (hoti egapesas me) "Because you did love me;" He who "loved the world," surely first loved His Son, John 3:16; John 3:35; John 5:20; Matthew 3:17.

7) "Before the foundation of the world." (pro kataboles kosmou) "Before (prior to) the foundation of the present world order," Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 1 Peter 1:18-21; Acts 2:22-24.

Verse 25

1) "0 righteous Father," (pater dikaie) "0 (you) righteous Father," in all His nature, attributes, and deeds, to be hallowed or held in reverence, Matthew 6:9. His justice is now appealed to by His own Son.

2) "The world hath not known thee:" (kai ho kosmos se ouk egno) "The world certainly has not known you," or recognized you, John 8:19; John 8:54-55. It has not recognized your righteousness and its corollary, justice.

3) "But I have known thee," (ego de se egnon) "Yet I knew and have known you," John 8:55; and came from you, John 17:4-5.

4) "And these have known that thou hast sent me." (kai houtoi egnosan hoti su me apesteilas) "And these (my church-disciples) have known, have known and do know, that you did send and have sent me," Luke 19:10; John 3:17; John 3:4-5; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:16; John 6:69; John 11:27.

Verse 26

1) "And I have declared unto them thy name," (kai egnorisa autois to onoma sou) "And I have made known your name directly to them," Matthew 6:9, by His Words and by His deeds; In all that He did He reflected the character, image, or attributes of His Father, John 4:34; John 6:38; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 2:9.

2) "And will declare it;" (kai gnoriso) "And I will make it further known," to them, in future sufferings, the resurrection, and giving them the Great Commission, and in sending the Holy Spirit to bear witness of me as your Son, who has come to redeem the world to your glory, even to the restitution of all things, John 16:13; Romans 8:17-23; Acts 3:20-21.

3) "That the love wherewith thou hast loved me," (hina he agape hen agapesas me) "In order that the love with which you have loved me," in sending, teaching, and sustaining me, John 3:35; John 5:20; Matthew 3:17; John 13:34-35.

4) "May be in them, and I in them," (en autois e kago en autois) "May exist in them and I also may be or exist in them," Hebrews 13:1, as a church body, my House, and my bride, as well as in them as individual believers, John 10:28-29; John 14:16-18; Matthew 28:20; existing in the midst of His churches, wherever they are assembled in covenant fellowship and service, Matthew 18:20; Revelation 1:12-20. The nearer Jesus came to death the nearer He seemed to come to His church. It appears the same would be proper for every child of His. He lives in His church today, Matthew 18:20.

NEARER TO CHRIST

A few years since, a Christian company visited a Southern plantation. Among the slaves was an old man, with whom the following conversation was held: "You are an old man, will you not die soon?" "Yes, I know I must." ’Where do you expect to go?" "I think I shall go to the good land." "Why do you think you will go there?" "I cannot tell, but the nearer I come to death, somehow Jesus and I get nearer together."