What does John 17:23 mean?

Explanation

John 17:23 is a part of Jesus' prayer often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus is speaking to the Father about the unity of His followers.

The verse communicates the deep communion desired between Jesus, His Father, and believers.

The phrase "I in them" refers to the indwelling presence of Jesus in His followers through the Holy Spirit.

"And thou in me" signals the intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. Jesus prays that His followers will be "made perfect in one," indicating a desired perfection through unity, not just among believers but also in union with the Father and the Son.

Finally, this state of unity serves an evangelistic purpose: "that the world may know" that Jesus was sent by the Father and that the Father's love for the believers is as profound as His love for Jesus Himself.

Historical Context

The context of John 17:23 is set against the Last Supper, during the final hours of Jesus’ life before His crucifixion.

This chapter of the Gospel of John is a recording of Jesus' prayer after the meal and is a portion of Jesus' farewell discourse (John chapters 14–17) to His disciples.

The historical Jerusalem context of this time was one of Roman occupation and significant religious tension, where the prevailing Jewish religious leadership was often in opposition to Jesus' teachings.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 17:23 provides substantial insight into the concept of the Trinity and the nature of Christian unity. One theological viewpoint understands Jesus' prayer as an invitation into the Trinitarian life, Christ in the believer, the Father in Christ, and all made perfect in unity.

Some theologians might interpret "made perfect in one" as a call to ontological unity, while others see it as a call to ecclesiological unity, believers being united in the Church.

Additionally, the verse is rich in its implications about the nature of evangelism; that genuine Christian unity is a testament to Jesus' divine mission and the Father's love, which is a witness to the world.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 17:23 are centered around the pursuit of Christian unity.

It encourages believers to cultivate deep relationships with one another, mirroring the unity of the Father and the Son.

It also implores believers to show love to one another in such a way that the world would recognize the truth of Christ's message.

Moreover, it calls for personal introspection and spiritual maturity to embody the unity that Jesus prayed for, which also bears witness to the truth of Christianity.

Cross-References

• John 17:21: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
• Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

• Galatians 3:28: "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."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "that they may be made perfect in one" includes the Greek word "teleioō," which means to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish, or to perfect. This indicates not just a superficial unity but a complete and mature oneness.

"In one" ("en heis") implies a unity of purpose and essence.

The phrase "the world may know" uses the Greek term "ginōskō," signifying an experiential knowledge, suggesting that the unity of believers is intended to be a demonstrable evidence of Jesus' divine mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine unity and humanity's participation in it can be found in many religious traditions.

For instance, Hinduism has the concept of Atman (individual soul) realizing unity with Brahman (universal soul).

In Buddhism, there's the idea of interconnectedness of all beings through the concept of dependent origination.

While the concepts are not identical, this shared notion of unity might prompt interreligious dialogue on the shared human experience of the quest for divine connection.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the verse might intersect with psychological research on group identity and coherence.

Studies in social psychology often explore how a sense of belonging and unity within a group can affect individual behavior and societal perceptions.

These studies might provide a secular lens through which to view the implications of Jesus' prayer for unity and its effects on community dynamics.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various thoughts on John 17:23.

Many agree that this verse illuminates Jesus' desire for the unity of believers as a reflection of the unity between the Father and the Son.

According to D.A.

Carson's commentary, "The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus," the verse implies that the perfection of unity has an ultimate eschatological fulfillment, which extends to the witness of the church to the non-believing world.

Other scholars, like William Barclay, emphasize the evangelistic element of the verse, how the unity of Christians can be compelling proof of Christ’s mission and the love of God to an observing world.