TRV
John 17:18
Bible Versions
As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Just as you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world.
As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world.
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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.
John 17:18 (KJV): "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."
Context
This verse is part of what is often called Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John chapter 17. This prayer immediately precedes Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. In this intimate moment, Jesus prays for Himself, then for His disciples who are with Him, and finally for all future believers. Having just prayed for the Father to sanctify His disciples and keep them from the evil one while they remain in the world (John 17:15), Jesus now articulates their purpose and mission.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "sent" is apostellō (ἀποστέλλω), which carries the sense of being commissioned with authority and purpose. This is the root word for "apostle" (apostolos), meaning "one who is sent." The term "world" (kosmos - κόσμος) here refers to the created order and human society within it, often seen in John's Gospel as alienated from God.
Reflection and Application
This verse is foundational for understanding the mission of believers. Just as the Father sent Jesus to reveal God's love and plan of salvation, Jesus sends His followers into the world to continue that work. We are sent to be witnesses, to share the gospel, to demonstrate God's love through our lives, and to serve others. Our presence in the world is not merely incidental; it is purposeful, mirroring Christ's own mission. This means we are called to engage with the world, not withdraw from it, while maintaining our distinct identity as children of God, not being "of" the world in its values and systems that oppose God. Our sending is an extension of Christ's authority and purpose, empowering us to live and serve effectively.