John 17:23-24
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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{ "author": "Traditionally the Apostle John, though some scholars suggest a later date or different author.", "location": "Likely written from Ephesus in Asia Minor.", "dateTime": "Late 1st Century AD, around 90-100 AD.", "literaryStyle": "Gospel narrative with deeply theological and intimate prayer. A key feature is the use of 'I AM' declarations and symbolic language." }
Jesus is concluding his prayer to the Father, a prayer that began with his apostles but now extends to all future believers who will come to faith through their preaching. He’s praying for their unity, drawing a parallel to the perfect unity he shares with the Father, so that the world might see and believe in his divine mission and God's love for humanity. This prayer for unity is directly linked to the mission of the church and its witness to the world.
Jesus prays for a radical oneness among His followers. Where does this unity come from?
The core of Jesus' prayer for unity isn't just about people getting along; it's about experiencing God's presence within.
A Two-Way Street
Jesus says, 'I in them and you in me.' This isn't a one-sided relationship. It speaks of:
This mutual indwelling is the foundation upon which all other unity is built. It's not achieved through human effort alone, but through God's own presence working within us.
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Jesus desires a unity that is 'perfectly one.' What does this 'perfection' look like for us?
The phrase 'perfectly one' (or 'made perfect in one') points to a profound completeness and wholeness.
Beyond Mere Agreement
This unity isn't just about avoiding conflict or agreeing on every minor point. It's about:
When believers are 'perfected into one,' they become a powerful testament to God's work.
Why is this deep, divine unity so crucial? Jesus links it directly to the world's understanding of God.
The ultimate purpose of this Christ-centered unity among believers is evangelistic.
A Divine Advertisement
Jesus declares that this perfect oneness is intended 'so that the world may know...' What is it that the world will 'know' through our unity?
Our disunity often hinders the Gospel. But when the world sees believers living in Christ's indwelling, perfected into one, they are confronted with the reality of God's love and the truth of His Son.
Understand the original words
agapaō · Greek Verb
The divine attribute of deep, self-sacrificial, and unconditional commitment. It is the core of God's nature and the primary motivation for His redemptive work.
katabolē tou kosmou · Greek Noun
The beginning of the created order; in biblical usage, it often refers to God's eternal plan and purpose established before the creation of the universe.
This verse immediately precedes John 17:23 and sets up the prayer for unity, stating, 'that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.'
1 John 4:12This passage speaks to the invisible presence of God within believers, mirroring Christ's 'I in them,' stating, 'No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.'
Galatians 3:28This verse highlights the unity of believers in Christ, transcending earthly distinctions, which directly relates to the prayer for them to be 'perfectly one.'
Ephesians 4:3This verse echoes the prayer for unity in John 17:23 by urging believers to 'maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' emphasizing the practical outworking of Christ's prayer.
John 1:14This verse emphasizes the union of the divine and human in Christ, 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' which is foundational to the concept of Christ being 'in them' and them being 'in Him.'
cambridgeJohn 17:23: "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."
23 . I in them, and thou in me ] And therefore, ‘Thou in them and they in Thee.’ made perfect in one ] Literally, perfected into one ; i.e. completed and made one. In the unity the completeness consists. The expression ‘into one’ occurs elsewhere only John 11:52 (comp. 1 John 5:8 ). For ‘perfected’ comp. 1 John 2:5 ; 1 Joh…
jfbJohn 17:23: "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."
- I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one—(See on [1884]Joh 17:21).
{ "author": "Traditionally the Apostle John, though some scholars suggest a later date or different author.", "location": "Likely written from Ephesus in Asia Minor.", "dateTime": "Late 1st Century AD, around 90-100 AD.", "literaryStyle": "Gospel narrative with deeply theological and intimate prayer. A key feature is the use of 'I AM' declarations and symbolic language." }
Jesus is concluding his prayer to the Father, a prayer that began with his apostles but now extends to all future believers who will come to faith through their preaching. He’s praying for their unity, drawing a parallel to the perfect unity he shares with the Father, so that the world might see and believe in his divine mission and God's love for humanity. This prayer for unity is directly linked to the mission of the church and its witness to the world.
Jesus is concluding his prayer to the Father, a prayer that began with his apostles but now extends to all future believers who will come to faith through their preaching. He’s praying for their unity, drawing a parallel to the perfect unity he shares with the Father, so that the world might see and believe in his divine mission and God's love for humanity. This prayer for unity is directly linked to the mission of the church and its witness to the world.
"I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glo…" — { "author": "Traditionally the Apostle John, though some scholars suggest a later date or different author.", "location": "Likely written from Ephesus in Asia Minor.", "dateTime": "Late 1st Cen…
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