John 17:18

KJV

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G2531} thou hast sent {G649} me {G1691} into {G1519} the world {G2889}, even so {G2504} have {G649} I also {G2504} sent {G649} them {G846} into {G1519} the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Berean Standard Bible

As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world.

American Standard Version

As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this profound statement, part of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, the Lord articulates a foundational principle of Christian mission: a direct and intentional parallel between His own commission from the Father and the commission He bestows upon His disciples. Just as the Father purposefully sent Jesus into the world to accomplish His redemptive plan, so too does Jesus purposefully send His followers into the very same world, not to be conformed to it, but to continue His work of revealing God and extending His kingdom. This verse underscores the divine authority and sacred purpose behind the believer's presence and activity in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 17:18 is nestled within Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer," a deeply intimate and significant discourse recorded in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer immediately follows Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John 13-16), where He prepares His disciples for His departure, promises the Holy Spirit, and warns them of persecution. The prayer itself is structured into three main petitions: for Himself (John 17:1-5), for His immediate disciples (John 17:6-19), and for all future believers (John 17:20-26). Verse 18 falls squarely within the section for His disciples, specifically after Jesus has prayed for their sanctification by truth and their protection from the evil one while they remain in the world (cf. [John 17:15](/john/17-15 "John 17:15 - Protection in the World")). Having established their distinct identity as "not of the world" ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World")), Jesus now clarifies their *purpose* in the world, transitioning from their preservation to their active commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' prayer takes place on the eve of His crucifixion, likely in the upper room or on the way to Gethsemane, a moment of profound transition for His disciples. They were about to lose their physical proximity to their Master and would soon face intense opposition. The concept of "sending" (apostle) was not entirely new in Jewish thought, as prophets and messengers were often "sent" by God. However, Jesus' unique claim to be "sent" by the Father, and His subsequent commissioning of His disciples with a parallel authority, elevated this concept to an unprecedented level. The "world" (kosmos) in John's Gospel often carries a dual meaning: the created order, which God loves ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and humanity in its fallen state, alienated from God and hostile to His truth ([John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - The World Did Not Know Him")). Jesus' statement acknowledges the reality of this fallen world as the arena for their mission, even as it is distinct from their spiritual origin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to John's Gospel and Christian theology. The primary theme is **Divine Commission and Mission**, emphasizing that believers are not merely left in the world but are purposefully dispatched with a divine mandate. This directly links to the theme of **Representation and Authority**, as the disciples are sent in the same manner and with the same authority that Jesus was sent by the Father, implying they are His representatives. The verse also reinforces the **Paradox of Presence**, where believers are "in" the world but "not of" the world, maintaining a distinct identity while engaging actively with society. Finally, it foreshadows the **Continuation of Christ's Work**, highlighting that the disciples' mission is an extension of Jesus' own redemptive ministry, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the Great Commission (e.g., [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb (G649) means "to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." It implies a deliberate commission with authority and purpose. It is the root word from which "apostle" (apostolos) is derived, meaning "one who is sent." Here, it underscores the intentionality of both the Father's sending of Jesus and Jesus' sending of His disciples. It's not a casual dispatch but a purposeful assignment with a specific task and inherent authority.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This noun (G2889) refers to "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))." In John's Gospel, _kosmos_ often carries a negative connotation, referring to humanity alienated from God, a system opposed to divine truth. However, it also denotes the sphere of God's redemptive activity. In this verse, it signifies the specific arena where both Jesus' and the disciples' missions are to be carried out – the human society and created order that needs salvation.
* **even so / I also (Greek, _kagṓ'_):** This conjunction and pronoun combination (G2504) emphasizes the direct parallel and reciprocal nature of the sending. _Kagō_ means "and I" or "even I," highlighting that Jesus Himself, the one sent by the Father, is now the one sending them. It underscores the profound continuity and authority in the chain of divine commission, from Father to Son, and from Son to disciples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As thou hast sent me into the world":** This clause establishes the divine precedent and model for the disciples' mission. Jesus affirms His own identity as the Father's ultimate Messenger, sent with a specific purpose and authority into the human sphere. His mission was not self-initiated but divinely ordained, encompassing the revelation of God's character, the demonstration of His love, and the accomplishment of salvation. The phrase "into the world" defines the destination and context of this divine commission.
* **"even so have I also sent them into the world.":** This clause declares the direct, authoritative parallel. The "even so" (Greek: _kathōs_ and _kagō_) signifies that the manner, purpose, and authority of Jesus' sending of His disciples mirror that of the Father's sending of Jesus. The disciples are not merely remaining in the world by chance; they are being actively and purposefully dispatched by Jesus Himself. Their mission, like His, is to engage with the world, to be His representatives, and to continue the work of making God known and bringing salvation. The repetition of "into the world" stresses that their sphere of operation is the same as Jesus' own.

#### Literary Devices
John 17:18 is rich with **Parallelism**, a key literary device where similar phrases or clauses are used to highlight a comparison or contrast. Here, the structure "As thou hast sent me... even so have I also sent them..." creates a perfect parallel, emphasizing the direct correspondence and continuity between the Father's mission for Jesus and Jesus' mission for His disciples. This parallelism is further reinforced by the **Repetition** of the phrase "into the world," which underscores the shared arena of their respective missions. The act of "sending" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine commission and delegation of authority, transforming the disciples from mere followers into divinely appointed agents. This verse, therefore, is not just a statement of fact but a profound theological declaration of the church's foundational purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the missional nature of the church. It establishes that the very identity of the believer is tied to being "sent," mirroring the divine pattern of the Father sending the Son. This sending is not merely an activity but a foundational aspect of Christian existence, implying that believers are Christ's representatives and ambassadors in a world that needs the gospel. Our presence in the world is not accidental but purposeful, an extension of Christ's ongoing work of reconciliation and redemption. We are called to embody His love, proclaim His truth, and demonstrate His kingdom, engaging with the world not by conforming to its values but by transforming it through the power of God.

* [John 20:21](/john/20-21 "Jesus Sends His Disciples")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")
* [2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "Ambassadors for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:18 calls every believer to a profound awareness of their divine commission. We are not called to withdraw from the world, nor to be absorbed by it, but to be actively engaged within it as Christ's emissaries. This means living intentionally, understanding that our daily lives, our vocations, our relationships, and our interactions are all part of the "world" into which we have been sent. Our mission is to reflect the character of Christ, to be salt and light, and to share the good news of salvation, not just through words but through our very lives. This sending empowers us with purpose and reminds us that we do not go alone, but with the same divine authority and presence that accompanied Jesus. It challenges us to consider how we are actively fulfilling this mission in our spheres of influence, bringing the Kingdom of God to bear on the realities of our world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my life reflect the truth that I have been "sent into the world" by Christ?**
* **How does understanding my mission as parallel to Christ's own mission from the Father change my perspective on daily challenges and opportunities?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally live as an ambassador for Christ in my specific "world" (e.g., workplace, neighborhood, family)?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Jesus "sent" His disciples into the world "even so" as the Father sent Him?**

Answer: The phrase "even so" (Greek: _kathōs_) indicates a profound parallel and continuity. It means that Jesus sent His disciples with the same authority, purpose, and mission that He Himself received from the Father. Just as the Father commissioned Jesus to reveal God, demonstrate His love, and accomplish salvation in the world, Jesus now commissions His followers to continue that very work. It implies that the disciples are His representatives, acting with His authority and for His purposes, in the same sphere of operation (the world) that Jesus Himself engaged. This is not about equality in divine nature, but equality in the *nature of the commission* and the *sphere of operation*.

**Does "into the world" imply that believers should be involved in worldly affairs or withdraw from them?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, "the world" (_kosmos_) often refers to human society in its fallen, anti-God state ([John 1:10](/john/1-10 "The World Did Not Know Him")). However, it is also the object of God's love and redemption ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Therefore, "into the world" means that believers are to be present and active within human society, not withdrawn from it. While we are "not of the world" in our values and allegiance ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "Not of the World")), we are purposefully sent *into* it to be salt and light, to bear witness to Christ, and to participate in His redemptive work. This involves engaging with culture, serving others, and proclaiming the gospel, all while maintaining our distinct identity in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:18 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound reality that Jesus' mission from the Father is the ultimate basis and enabling power for the disciples' mission. He is not merely a historical figure who once lived and sent others; He is the living Lord who continues to send His people. His sending by the Father culminated in His atoning death and resurrection, which secured salvation and inaugurated the new creation. It is from this position of ultimate authority, having "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")), that Jesus commissions His followers. Our mission is therefore a direct participation in His ongoing redemptive work, empowered by the Holy Spirit whom He promised and sent ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). The content of our message, the very reason we are sent, is Christ Himself – His person, His work, and His call to repentance and faith. Thus, the church's mission is not an independent venture but a Christ-dependent, Christ-empowered, and Christ-proclaiming extension of the Father's original sending of His Son into the world. Our being "sent into the world" is a continuous echo of the incarnate Word, who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

John 4:38

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

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.

John 17:8

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.