Joh 17:14-19 | RWP | e4.org | Not of the world ( ουκ εκ του κοσμου ). They are "in the world" ( εν τω κοσμω , verse ) still and Christ sends them "into the world" ( εις τον κοσμον , verse ), but they must not be like the world nor get their spirit, standards, and message "out of the world," else they can do the world no good. These verses ( ) picture the Master's ideal for believers and go far towards explaining the failure of Christians in winning the world to Christ. Too often the world fails to see the difference or the gain by the change.

‏ John 17:14-19

Not of the world ( ουκ εκ του κοσμου ). They are "in the world" ( εν τω κοσμω, verse 13) still and Christ sends them "into the world" ( εις τον κοσμον, verse 18), but they must not be like the world nor get their spirit, standards, and message "out of the world," else they can do the world no good. These verses (14-19) picture the Master's ideal for believers and go far towards explaining the failure of Christians in winning the world to Christ. Too often the world fails to see the difference or the gain by the change.

Shouldest take ( αρηις ). First aorist active subjunctive of αιρω (liquid verb).

From the evil one ( εκ του πονηρου ). Ablative case with εκ, but can mean the evil man, Satan, or the evil deed. See same ambiguity in Mt 6:13. But in 1Jo 5:18 ο πονηρος is masculine (the evil one). Cf. Re 3:10.

Repetition of verse 14 for emphasis.

Sanctify ( αγιασον ). First aorist active imperative of αγιαζω. To consecrate or set apart persons or things to God. See Ex 28:41; 29:1, 36; 40:13. See Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians (1Th 5:23). This is done in the sphere ( εν ) of truth (God's truth), God's Word (not human speculation, but God's message to us).

Sent I them ( απεστειλα αυτους ). The very verb ( αποστελλω ) used of the original commission of these men (Mr 3:14) and the special commission (Lu 9:2) and the renewal of the commission after the resurrection (Joh 20:21f., both αποστελλω and πεμπω here).

I sanctify myself ( εγω αγιαζω εμαυτον ). To his holy ministry to which the Father "sanctified" ( ηγιασεν ) him (Joh 10:36).

That they themselves also may be sanctified in truth ( ινα ωσιν κα αυτο ηγιασμενο εν αληθεια ). Purpose clause with ινα and the periphrastic perfect passive subjunctive of αγιαζω (that they may remain sanctified). The act of Christ helps us, but by no means takes the place of personal consecration on the part of the believer. This high and holy prayer and act of Christ should shame any one who uses the livery of heaven to serve the devil in as does, alas, sometimes happen (2Co 11:13-15).