What does John 17:21 mean?

Explanation

John 17:21 is a verse from what is commonly referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, which records Jesus’ prayer for His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

In this portion of the prayer, Jesus expresses a desire for unity among His followers, mirroring the unity that exists between Him and God the Father.

The literal meaning is a request for the believers to be united as one entity, just as Jesus and the Father are united.

The deeper meaning suggests that such unity among believers is a testament to the world of Jesus’ divine mission and the truth of His teachings, as it would reflect the perfect unity found within the Godhead.

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in the late first century, and it differs markedly in style and content from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

The specific context of John 17:21 is set during the final hours of Jesus' earthly ministry.

This prayer comes after the Last Supper and before Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The unity Jesus speaks of is crucial in the historical context of impending persecution for the early Christian community; such unity would be essential for their survival and the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Insights

John 17:21 has been a cornerstone verse for ecumenical dialogue, with different Christian denominations pointing to it as a goal for unity within the wider body of Christ.

Moreover, from a Trinitarian perspective, this unity is reflective of the perichoretic relationship between the Father and the Son – an intimate indwelling that serves as the ideal for Christian community.

In contrast, nontrinitarian perspectives would interpret this verse as an expression of closeness and agreement in purpose between Jesus and the Father, rather than as an indication of a singular divine essence.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, John 17:21 calls for Christians to seek harmony and to work towards bridging divisions, whether they be denominational, cultural, or personal.

It encourages believers to prioritize the overall unity of the Church over individual differences, fostering an environment of love and acceptance that is compelling to non-believers.

Cross-References

• "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee.

Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." (John 17:11)

• "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)
• "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee..." (John 17:20-21)
• "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text of this verse is "εἷς" (heis), meaning "one." This term emphasizes numerical oneness but can also refer to unity in purpose and essence.

In this context, the word underscores the unity of nature and purpose between Jesus and the Father, and it suggests a similar type of unity is desired for believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other cultural and religious contexts, the concept of unity is prevalent, albeit with different understandings. For instance, in Hinduism, the idea of "advaita" suggests a non-dualistic state that transcends individual differences, which could be compared to the oneness Jesus speaks of.

However, the Christian concept of unity is distinctly rooted in the personhood of God and the historical revelation of Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of interconnectedness in nature, as seen in ecosystems or human sociology and psychology, may serve as a metaphorical parallel to the unity described in John 17:21.

While science does not directly address theological claims, it does show us that complex systems often function most effectively in a state of interconnectedness and mutual cooperation.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of John 17:21.

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights the glory of God being manifested in the unity of believers.

The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the divine pattern of unity set by Christ and the Father as a model for Christian unity.

Meanwhile, William Barclay notes that this unity is not just a spiritual or mystical thing but something that must be visible and demonstrated in the way Christians live and relate to one another.

These perspectives underscore the transformative power of the unity that Jesus prayed for among his followers.