John 17:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 17:20
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Chapter Context
John 17 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, redemption, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 17:20
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Analysis
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word—Jesus expands His high priestly prayer beyond the eleven disciples to include all future believers. The Greek pisteuontōn (πιστευόντων, "those who will believe") is a present participle emphasizing continuous, ongoing faith across generations. The phrase through their word (διὰ τοῦ λόγου αὐτῶν) establishes apostolic testimony as the foundation for Christian faith—we believe because of the eyewitness proclamation preserved in Scripture.
This verse demolishes any notion that Jesus prayed only for an elite spiritual class. Every believer from Pentecost to the present age stands included in Christ's intercession. The phrase dia tou logou ("through the word") underscores the instrumental means of saving faith: the proclaimed and written gospel. As Paul later wrote, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this prayer in the upper room on the night of His betrayal (c. AD 30), hours before His crucifixion. The eleven disciples present (Judas had left) would soon become the apostolic witnesses whose testimony—first oral, then written in the New Testament—would be the means by which all subsequent generations come to faith.
Reflection
- How does knowing Christ prayed specifically for you (as a future believer) affect your assurance of salvation?
- What responsibility do believers bear to faithfully transmit "their word"—the apostolic gospel—to the next generation?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Faith: Acts 4:4, Romans 16:26
- Word: Acts 2:41
- Parallel theme: Ephesians 4:11