John 17:9-16 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which you have given me; for they are yours. Before proceeding to the more special petitions Jesus reproduces the two principal claims of the disciples to the Divine interest. I. THOU HAST GIVEN THEM TO ME — watch over Thine own gift; and the more since, in becoming Mine, they have not ceased to belong to Thee, but have even become more than ever Thine. For what I receive from Thee; I receive only to restore to Thee, and to ensure to Thee its possession. The present "are Thine" is purposely substituted for the imperfect "we're Thine" (ver. 6), to express the idea that the gift of them to the Son has only confirmed their being God's. II. THEY HAVE BECOME DEPOSITARIES OF THE SON'S GLORY. Notwithstanding His form as a Servant, Jesus had appeared to their hearts in all His beauty as the Son of God. Even before restoration to His glory, He had regained it in them by the fact that they had recognized Him for what He truly was (vers. 7, 8). (F. Godet, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. |
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