What does John 17:15 mean?

Explanation

John 17:15 is a part of Jesus' prayer immediately prior to His arrest and eventual crucifixion. In this intimate communication with God the Father, Jesus expresses His desire for His disciples.

The verse reads from the King James Version (KJV) as, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." At a superficial level, Jesus seems to be asking for physical protection for His disciples.

However, at a deeper level, He speaks to the spiritual fortitude and preservation they will need in the face of worldly trials and spiritual adversaries.

Jesus knows that the disciples must remain in the world to fulfill their mission but is concerned for their spiritual well-being amid the evil in the world.

Historical Context

John 17 is often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer or Jesus' Farewell Prayer.

This chapter of John is part of the Farewell Discourse, which occurs after the Last Supper and before Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, during the Passover week.

At this time, the Roman Empire governed Judea, and the religious climate was heavily influenced by Jewish traditions and expectations of a Messiah.

The disciples were expecting Jesus to establish a kingdom on earth and overthrow Roman rule, but Jesus was preparing them for a different reality: the establishment of a spiritual kingdom and His imminent departure through crucifixion.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is integral to understanding Jesus' concern for the sanctification and preservation of His followers in a corrupt world. Jesus' prayer echoes the dual reality Christians inhabit, of being in the world but not of it (John 17:16).

From an eschatological viewpoint, some see this verse as a precursor to the struggle between good and evil that believers would encounter until the end of the age.

Denominational perspectives may vary: for example, Calvinists might see this as a demonstration of perseverance of the saints, whereas Arminian theology may focus on the cooperation of human will in responding to divine protection.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder of the balance Christians are called to strike, engaging with the world, influencing it positively, and fulfilling the Great Commission while avoiding succumbing to worldly temptations and moral decay.

It's a call to vigilance, spiritual resilience, and prayerful reliance on God for protection.

The verse implies that adversity and exposure to evil are inevitable but encourages believers to trust in God's power to protect and sustain them.

Cross-References

• John 17:16 , "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
• Ephesians 6:12 , "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
• 1 John 5:19 , "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."
• Matthew 6:13 , "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen."

• 2 Timothy 4:18 , "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include "keep" (τηρήσῃς - tērēsēis), which has the meaning of guarding or preserving, and "evil" (πονηροῦ - ponērou), which can refer to evil in a moral sense or to the evil one, often understood as Satan.

This semantic field reinforces the notion of protective custody, Jesus asks the Father not simply to shield them from harm, but to guard them, as a shepherd would his flock, from moral decay and the influence of the adversary.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other ancient religions and philosophical systems, protection from evil or harm is a common theme.

For example, in ancient Mesopotamian texts, there are prayers and incantations aimed at protection from demonic forces.

Similarly, in the Hellenistic world, invoking the gods for protection from evil was common.

However, the uniqueness in this biblical verse lies in its personal and intimate nature, as part of a monotheistic framework where a singular, sovereign God is asked for preservation from evil.

Scientific Perspectives

While the request for protection from evil in John 17:15 involves aspects likely considered outside the realm of empirical scientific investigation (such as spiritual protection and moral fortitude), psychological and sociological sciences can offer insight into the effects of a supportive community and belief systems on resilience in the face of adversity and the human capacity for coping with stress and trauma.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered different interpretations of John 17:15.

William Barclay notes the impracticality of complete isolation from the world for Christians, emphasizing instead a strength in the midst of worldly trials.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that Jesus asks for His disciples' preservation in grace, despite the corruptions of the world.

Contemporary scholars, such as N.T.

Wright, explore how the prayer underscores the mission of the Church to be active in the world while remaining distinct from it, bearing witness to Christ's kingdom.