What does John 17:12 mean?

Explanation

John 17:12 is part of what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, which is recorded in the Gospel of John.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His Father in heaven during the Last Supper, shortly before His arrest and crucifixion.

When Jesus refers to keeping the disciples “in thy name,” He means that He has protected them and preserved their faith in the Father's name, or by the Father's authority and power.

“Those that thou gavest me” signifies the disciples that were given to Jesus by God, indicating a divine selection or election of those who would follow Him.

The phrase “none of them is lost” underscores Jesus' faithful guardianship over His disciples, confirming that He lost none to unbelief or apostasy with the exception of Judas Iscariot, whom He refers to as "the son of perdition." The term "perdition" speaks of destruction or damnation.

Judas's betrayal was a necessary part of divine prophecy and served to fulfill Scripture.

The deeper meaning of the verse can be interpreted as Jesus' recognition of His role in the divine plan and the unfolding of events that would lead to His crucifixion. It also reflects on the theme of predestination and God's sovereign will in salvation.

Historical Context

John 17:12 was written in a first-century Greco-Roman context, in a time when the early Christian community was experiencing growth and also facing various threats from both Jewish and Roman opposition.

The Farewell Discourses, which include the High Priestly Prayer, were delivered to the disciples on the eve of the Passion narrative, offering comfort, instruction, and clarification of Jesus’ relationship with the Father.

The cultural and religious environment was diverse, with influences from Judaism, Hellenistic philosophy, and Roman paganism.

The followers of Jesus were trying to understand their identity and mission in a world that often could be hostile to their message.

The Bible appeal to the fulfillment of Scripture reflects the importance of continuity with the Hebrew Bible in the emerging Christian faith.

Theological Insights

Different theological standpoints will approach the interpretation of John 17:12 in various ways.

• Traditional Christian theology often views this verse as evidence of Jesus' divine foreknowledge and His role as a protector of the faithful.
• Calvinist theology might emphasize the notions of predestination and election found here, asserting that God has chosen certain individuals to be His followers, and Christ's role is to keep them.
• Arminian theology, by contrast, may underscore the human responsibility and the potential for any believer to become a "son of perdition" if they turn away from God.
• Open Theism could interpret this verse as an example of God’s foreknowledge of possibilities, with Judas’ actions not predestined but foreknown in one of many potential scenarios in God’s plan.
• Catholic theology may use this verse to discuss the concept of the Church as the guardian of faith, continuing Jesus’ mission to preserve the faithful from spiritual harm.

Practical Applications

The message in John 17:12 has several practical applications in daily life. It can inspire confidence in the steadfastness of Christ's protection and guidance for those who believe in Him. It serves as a reminder of the assurance that God is in control and has a divine plan.

Additionally, this verse may provoke personal introspection among believers regarding faithfulness to their beliefs and the awareness of being "kept" in the name of God. It may also stimulate discussions on apostasy and the importance of remaining strong in one’s convictions.

Cross-References

• John 6:39: "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."
• John 10:28-29: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

• Matthew 26:24: "The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born."
• 2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"
• Psalm 41:9: "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words in this verse are:

• "kept": τετήρηκα (tētērēka).

This verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing effects and means "to guard" or "preserve."

• "name": ὀνόματι (onomati), referring to the character or authority of God.
• "lost": ἀπώλετο (apōleto), which is the aorist tense of the verb "to perish" or "destroy."
• "son of perdition": υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας (huios tēs apōleias).

This phrase gives a sense of belonging or origin, indicating that Judas was characterized by or destined for destruction.

Understanding the tense and meanings of these words emphasizes the completeness and permanence of Jesus' actions and Judas's fate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Judas Iscariot, labeled as the "son of perdition," can be compared to tragic figures in other ancient myths who also suffer a fall from grace or betrayal.

Such narratives exist in Greek mythology, with characters like Prometheus who betrays the gods, or in various cultures where a trusted individual becomes a traitor.

In broader religious interpretations, the concept of an individual predestined to destruction can be paralleled with themes found in other religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, where the idea of destiny and one's dharma (duty) is articulated, although the underlying philosophical presumptions differ significantly from the Christian worldview.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives do not directly engage with the theological and moral implications of a verse like John 17:12, the study of human behavior, psychology, and sociology can offer insights into why individuals like Judas may betray others.

An examination of free will versus determinism, group dynamics, and the psychology of betrayal are some areas where scientific studies can intersect with the themes present in this verse.

Commentaries

Reputable Bible commentaries offer different reflections on John 17:12.

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the tenderness of Christ as a guardian, the depth of the tragedy of Judas's betrayal, and the fulfillment of Scripture in these events.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament emphasizes Jesus' prayer as a unified and intimate conversation with the Father, highlighting the successful completion of His mission to protect the disciples entrusted to Him by God.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the significance of Jesus’ ministry in securing the disciples' faith and the inevitability of Judas's betrayal as a part of the divine plan for redemption.

These commentaries help contextualize the verse within the larger narrative of the Gospel and the Christian message of salvation.