John 17:16

Commentary on John 17:16 (KJV)

John 17:16 is part of Jesus' profound High Priestly Prayer, offered just before His crucifixion. In this verse, Jesus speaks to His Father about His disciples, emphasizing their spiritual identity in contrast to the world around them.

Context

This verse appears within the latter part of Jesus' prayer in John chapter 17, specifically following His declaration that He has given His disciples God's word and that the world hates them because they are not of the world, just as He is not. The entire chapter is a powerful expression of Jesus' heart for His followers, both those with Him then and future believers, praying for their protection, unity, and sanctification. The context highlights the spiritual tension between the kingdom of God and the fallen world system.

Key Themes

• Separation from the World: The core message is that believers, like Christ, do not belong to the fallen system of the world alienated from God. This separation is not physical isolation but a distinction in nature, values, and allegiance.
• Identification with Christ: Believers share Christ's position relative to the world. Just as Jesus was "not of the world" in His divine nature and mission, His followers are spiritually distinct because they belong to Him.
• Divine Identity: This verse underscores that the identity of believers is rooted in their relationship with God through Christ, not in their earthly circumstances, achievements, or the world's approval.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "world" here is kosmos (κόσμος). In this context, it doesn't refer to the physical creation or the people within it, but rather to the organized system of human society that is estranged from God, often characterized by sin, rebellion, and opposition to divine truth. To be "not of the world" means not being defined by, controlled by, or aligned with this spiritual system, but rather belonging to God's kingdom.

Reflection

John 17:16 serves as a fundamental reminder of the believer's distinct spiritual status. While we live in the world, we are called not to be of it. This requires a conscious choice to align our values, thoughts, and actions with God's word rather than the world's standards. It is a call to live a life that reflects our true identity as children of God, set apart for His purposes, just as Christ was set apart. This truth provides comfort in times of worldly opposition, reminding us that our ultimate citizenship and belonging are not here.