João 17
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
João 17
Robertson comments that Jesus disciples "must not be like the world nor get their spirit, standards, and message “out of the world,” else they can do the world no good. These verses (Jn 17:14-19) picture the Master’s ideal for believers and go far towards explaining the failure of Christians in winning the world to Christ. Too often the world fails to see the difference or the gain by the change." Brian Bell - John gives us the biblical definition later in his 1st epistle 1Jn 2:16 1. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. a) The 3 offsprings don’t originate or proceed from the Father. b) This spirit of the world permeates all society. All its plans, aims, & activities belong to the present passing show. (Eccl. calls it “under the sun”) c) The world has always been on a collision course with Christ, because His teachings reverses everything that the world prizes. I. Don’t forget the Diving Bell Spider/Water Spider. That amazing little creature that can live in an environment that normally would destroy it. So can you! Kenneth Gangel offers an interesting illustration on not of this world - Language like this reminds us of the Hans Christian Andersen story about the ugly duckling whose appearance and behavior was obnoxious to pond-bound ducks among whom it spent the early part of its life. The persecution and pain it endured from others in its limited environment made life miserable until it finally realized its nature was not that of a duck but a swan. Since swans were unwelcome creatures in duckland, one day it flapped its wings and flew away. In closing the story, Andersen tells us, “Before it knew how all this happened, it found itself in a great garden, where the trees smelled sweet and bent their long green branches down to the channel that wound past. Oh, here it was so beautiful, such a gladness of spring!” Eventually Christians too will go to the land where others possessing the same nature of Christ will gather in joy. But for now, it is clear from our Lord’s prayer that we had better learn to live and minister in the duckland of this world. (SEE Holman New Testament Commentary - John - Page 316) Andrew
João 17
Robertson says the idea is that labor is an annoyance, bad, evil; Noun poneria derived from poneros) means evil including evil, malignant character, pernicious (see Webster 1828 definition below), that which is morally or socially worthless, wicked, base, bad, degenerate. Poneros denotes determined, aggressive, and fervent evil that actively opposes what is good. Poneros is not just bad in character (like kakos - see below), but bad in effect (injurious)! Poneros describes evil in active opposition to good. It means not only evil in its nature but viciously evil in its influence and actively harmful. Poneros used to describe Satan (ho poneros = "Evil one"), the god of this age Henry Drummond - Jn 17:15 - It is for active service soldiers are drilled, and trained, and fed, and armed. That is why you and I are in the world—not to prepare to go out of it some day, but to serve God in it now. SEPARATED—NOT ISOLATED I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world. John 17: I5 Having spent considerable time on a deserted island, a marooned sailor was overjoyed one day to see a ship drop anchor in the bay. A small boat came ashore and an officer handed him a bunch of newspapers. "The captain suggests," said the officer, "that you read what's going on in the world, and then let us know if you want to be rescued!" The Christian has no such choice. We have been placed by divine decree in the midst of this world of trouble, sin, and distress. When God saved our souls by His grace, He could have transported us immediately into Heaven. At times we push the "panic button" as Elijah did and cry, "It is enough! Now, 0 Lord, take away my life." However, it is God's purpose that we should remain in the world — not to be partakers of its evil deeds or to compromise with its iniquity, but to be display cases of His grace. Where we have sinned against Him, we are now left to serve Him. God does not push us hurriedly into some Christian "compound" the moment we are saved any more than He removes us from the world itself. We are to be a separated people, but not an isolated one. Jesus prayed, "Keep them from evil." The Christian is to "keep [himself] unspotted from the world" (James 1: 27) and be an example of holiness. Sanctified by His Word we are to be both a "salt" and a "light" here where there is so much corruption and darkness. O to keep unspotted from the world today, This is now my goal, to walk the "Jesus" way. On I go not fearing, heeding His command, Witnessing and "shining"—doing all to "stand"! —Bosch God put the church in the world, but it is Satan who seeks to put the world in the church. Vance Havner - Taken Out or Taken Through? I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15. How often have parents wished that they might keep their children pure and innocent, and how much they have dreaded what this wicked world might do to them. Saints in the Middle Ages tried to escape from the world to pursue a holy life in some secluded retreat. But we are not kept from evil that way. The defense must be from within (ED: AKA RELIANCE OF THE SPIRIT AND A WILLINGNESS TO OBEY HIM). Indeed, we must shun every worldly force and influence that lowers our resistance to sin, but we have to live in this World, though we are not of it, and we can be kept from evil in the midst of it. We cannot run from this present world nor hide in a cave from the madding crowd's ignoble strife. We have to make our way through it all, but we can be kept by the power of God. The boat can be in the water without the water being in the boat. Lord, do not take us out of the world, take us through! Vance Havner - Taken Out or Taken Through? I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:15. How often have parents wished that they might keep their children pure and innocent, and how much they have dreaded what this wicked world might do to them. Saints in the Middle Ages tried to escape from the world to pursue a holy life in some secluded retreat. But we are not kept from evil that way. The defense must be from within. Indeed, we must shun every worldly force and influence that lowers our resistance to sin, but we have to live in this World, though we are not of it, and we can be kept from evil in the midst of it. We cannot run from this present world nor hide in a cave from the madding crowd's ignoble strife. We have to make our way through it all, but we can be kept by the power of God. The boat can be in the water without the water being in the boat. Lord, do not take us out of the world, take us through! Robert Neighbour - The Believer and the World "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15). After we have studied the tender compassion with which the Lord holds those whom the Father has given Him, we need not wonder that this same marvelous prayer will give us the Lord's heart toward His children in their attitude toward the world in which they live and move. Let us observe this sevenfold relationship. 1. "The men which Thou gavest Me out of the world" (John 17:6). God's people are a called-out people. The Church of Jesus Christ is an "ecclesia," that means they are "called out." This in no wise means that Christ desires us to live lives segregated from men, and isolated from the people. In John 17:15 Christ prays, "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world." The Lord Himself walked among men. He neither entered a monastery, nor did He hide away in the dens and caves of the earth. He received sinners, ate with them, and taught them His Word. He mingled with the crowds at Bethesda's pool, and healed the man thirty years sick. He was even numbered with the transgressors, in His death — the Holy One of God hung between two thieves. 2. "These are in the world" (John 17:11). Not alone in a physical world, a world of forests and fields and flowers, but in a world of men. Saints are constantly rubbing elbows with sinners, as they press along the crowded thoroughfares of world cities. It is interesting to mark, with a map, the journeyings of the Apostle Paul, as on three successive trips he made his way hither and thither over a wide territory and 'mid the larger cities of his day. 3. "They are not of the world" (John 17:14). In the world but not of it. Believers possess a life born, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of men. They are Spirit-born. Believers are not of the world in the spiritual blessings which they have obtained through Christ. Their blessings all are Heavenly. Believers are not of the world in the things which they enjoy. They run not with them to the same excess of riot; they walk not after the same desirings of the flesh. Believers are not of the world. Their treasures, their citizenship, their great rewards are all above. They look for a city whose builder and maker is God. 4. "The world hath hated them" (John 17:14). "Even as" is the key note of the Christian's attitude toward the world and of the world's attitude toward the Christian. If we hold the same relationship toward the world which Christ held, then the world will hold the same attitude toward us, which it held toward Christ. "If it hated Me, it will hate you" is Christ's message. "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His own household?" Let us go with Christ outside the camp and bear His reproach. Let us glory in the Cross by which the world is crucified unto us, and we unto the world. 5. "I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). Once more we have the "even as." Our mission in the world is the same as our Lord's. The fact that the world hated Him did not keep Him back from serving. Even on the Cross He cried, "Father, forgive them" in behalf of the very ones who nailed Him there, in behalf of those who mocked Him. We must go into all the world and carry the message of love and life, preaching to every creature; for God hath committed unto us both the word and the work of reconciliation. 6. "That the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me" (John 17:21). We are in the world in order to turn men to God. We are to magnify God, take of His things and show them unto men. We are to give unto the world both a testimony and a life that will cause the world to believe in saving grace. 7. "That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them" (John 17:23). Christ has long been gone from earth, He wants His children to be so perfect in one, and to so manifest the Christ-life that the world will know that Christ was sent of God. What a task! A task that far outweighs any social service or ethical enlightenment that we might give the world. Christ's birth is an historical fact; Christ's resurrection is an historical fact. The world knows and acknowledges both. We must now, live in such oneness with Christ, and so represent His endless life, that the world will know that Christ still lives and loves His own. John 17:15 The Recluse In the year 1403, one of the wealthiest men in Paris died, leaving his entire estate to his teenage daughter Agnes. She was a beautiful and virtuous young woman, and many men wanted to marry her. But Agnes decided to give up her fortune and become a recluse. To isolate herself from society, she asked to be sealed into a cell within the wall of a church. The entrance was plastered shut except for one small hole through which food could be passed. She was confined in that small area at 18 years of age and remained there until she died at age 98. Source unknown LIKE SUBMARINES - Believers are to be like boats in the water. That is our design - to be in the world but not of the world! But when water (world) gets in the boat, that is disaster! This truth is illustrated by a submarine which is fully functional in water but is ruined if water comes within. A submarine on the ground (out of the water) is useless and is not accomplishing its mission. When it is in the water it must be insulated (not isolated) from the water. If the water ever gets into the submarine then there is cause to sound the alarm. Believers are to be insulated from the world (like Enoch in the midst a world where "the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." -- Genesis 6:5) but not isolated from the world. Are you in a holy huddle or are you actively pursuing your calling to be salt and light in the world among those who are dead in its trespasses and sins and need to be thrown the life preserver of the soul saving Gospel, which they may grab hold of or sadly refuse and drown forever in the eternal abyss. We cannot save them but we can throw them a life preserver! How's your boat doing dear believer? Are you taking in water? Are are you insulated, even while not being isolated?
João 17
Robertson points out that "Jesus had the habit of prayer (Mark 1:35; 6:46; Matt. 11:25f.; Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:22, 42; 23:34, 46; John 11:41; 12:27). He prayed here for himself (1–5), for the disciples (6–19), for all believers (20–26)....Here it (JESUS' PETITION) carries us into the very depths of Christ’s own consciousness. It is not merely for strength to meet the Cross, but for the power to glorify the Father by his death and resurrection and ascension, “that the Son may glorify thee” NET NOTE - The time has come. Jesus has said before that his “hour” had come, both in Jn 12:23+ when some Greeks sought to speak with him, and in Jn 13:1+ where just before he washed the disciples’ feet. It appears best to understand the “hour” as a period of time starting at the end of Jesus’ public ministry and extending through the passion week, ending with Jesus’ return to the Father through death, resurrection, and exaltation. The “hour” begins as soon as the first events occur which begin the process that leads to Jesus’ death. Heaven (3772) ouranos - etiology is not certain - possibilities include oros = a relatively high elevation or horos = boundary + ano = above thus "the boundary above") It is interesting that one English word derived from ouranos is "uranium." In light of the fact that Revelation has 50 uses of "heaven" if you wanted to have a better sense of the meaning of ouranos, observing each of these uses for associations would be a profitable study. Strong's summary - (1) the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it 1a) the universe, the world 1b) the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced 1c) the sidereal or starry heavens (2) the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings. See another discussion on heaven (ouranos) for additional information Ouranos in John - Jn. 1:32; Jn. 1:51; Jn. 3:13; Jn. 3:27; Jn. 3:31; Jn. 6:31; Jn. 6:32; Jn. 6:33; Jn. 6:38; Jn. 6:41; Jn. 6:42; Jn. 6:50; Jn. 6:51; Jn. 6:58; Jn. 12:28; Jn. 17:1; Glorify (1392) doxazo from doxa = glory) has a secular meaning of to think, suppose, be of opinion, (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Xenophon, Plato, Thucydides) but generally is not used in this sense in Scripture. Doxazo means to praise, honor or magnify (Mt 5:16; 6:2; Lk 5:25f; Ac 11:18; Ro 11:13; 1 Cor 12:26; 1 Pt 4:16) and to clothe in splendor, glorify (John 8:54; 13:31f; 17:1, 4; 21:19; 2 Cor 3:10; 1 Pt 1:8; of life after death John 12:16, 23; Ac 3:13; Ro 8:30) The simple definition of glorify is to give a correct opinion, a correct estimate of Who God is. How can believers do this? By the way you behave (your "fruit" Jn 15:8, cp Mt 5:16+) and in the present context, by what you do (or better yet "don't do") with your physical body. BDAG (BORROW) summarizes doxazo's two basic meanings (1) To influence one’s opinion about another so as to enhance the latter’s reputation - most often Scripture speaks of glorifying God, the Father or the Son. Miracles caused people to glorify God. (Mt 6:2; Rev 18:7 Mt 5:16, Mt 9:8; Mt 15:31; Mk 2:12; Lk 5:25, 26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43; 23:47; Ac 11:18; 21:20; Ro 15:6, 9; 1Pe 2:12; Gal 1:24 1Co 6:20; 1Pe 4:16.God’s spirit is honored 1Pe 4:14, because of something seen and heard = Lk 2:20; Ac 4:21; 2Cor 9:13; 1Pe 4:11. Ro 1:21 (the cardinal sin is not to be grateful for benefactions; reciprocity requires glorification of the benefactor, hence the freq. reference to the effect that one knows how to acknowledge benefits, Rev 15:4 Of Christ Lk 4:15;Ro 11:13. 1Cor 12:26) (2) to cause to have splendid greatness - clothe in splendor, glorify, of the glory that comes in the next life. (Jn 7:39, 12:16 = of Jesus glorified state; DOXAZO - 61X in 53V - Matt. 5:16; Matt. 6:2; Matt. 9:8; Matt. 15:31; Mk. 2:12; Lk. 2:20; Lk. 4:15; Lk. 5:25; Lk. 5:26; Lk. 7:16; Lk. 13:13; Lk. 17:15; Lk. 18:43; Lk. 23:47; Jn. 7:39; Jn. 8:54; Jn. 11:4; Jn. 12:16; Jn. 12:23; Jn. 12:28; Jn. 13:31; Jn. 13:32; Jn. 14:13; Jn. 15:8; Jn. 16:14; Jn. 17:1; Jn. 17:4; Jn. 17:5; Jn. 17:10; Jn. 21:19; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21; Acts 11:18; Acts 13:48; Acts 21:20; Rom. 1:21; Rom. 8:30; Rom. 11:13; Rom. 15:6; Rom. 15:9; 1 Co. 6:20; 1 Co. 12:26; 2 Co. 3:10; 2 Co. 9:13; Gal. 1:24; 2 Thess. 3:1; Heb. 5:5; 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 Pet. 2:12; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Pet. 4:16; Rev. 15:4; Rev. 18:7 So that (that, in order that)(2443) hina is a conjunction which is used as a marker of purpose, definition or result and is rendered in order that, that, so that, with the result or consequence that, with the particular aim or purpose of. See also Dana-Mantey A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament. In the New Testament hina is most commonly used to introduce a purpose clause as in Matthew 1:22: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled.” It is also used to introduce the object of a verb as in Matthew 5:29, “for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish.” “So that” means “in order to” which answers the question “Why?” We use it to begin adverb clauses of purpose. Let’s hear an example: It helps to lower blood sugar so that you feel less hungry. The adverb clause is “so that you feel less hungry.” It shows the purpose for the action in the main clause. Why does it help to lower blood sugar? To feel less hungry. (LearnEnglish) Resource from Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones - John 17 - total of over 649 pages on John 17 - note these represent 48 sermons he preached on this great chapter! John 17:1-5 Saved in Eternity - 13 messages John 17:6-15 Safe in the Word - 12 messages John 17:17-19 Sanctified through the Truth - 11 messages John 17:17-24 Growing in the Spirit : the assurance of our salvation - 12 messages Luke frequently shows Jesus praying—and particularly before major events in His ministry, so we are not surprised to have this high priestly prayer the night of His agony in Gethsemane and His crucifixion. Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, Luke 5:16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 9:18 And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” Luke 9:28 Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. Luke 11:1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 22:32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:40-46 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46 and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Short, Sick, and Spectacular - Rob Morgan (On this Day) His was a short, sick, spectacular life. He died before reaching 40, yet not before leaving an enduring mark. Blaise Pascal, born in France in 1623, was educated in Paris and started making contributions to geometry, physics, and mathematics at age 16. His fame and wealth accumulated quickly, as did his religious inclinations. In January, 1646 his father fell and broke his leg. His nurses were devout Catholics, and Pascal, after extended conversations with them, began taking his Catholic faith seriously. His reputation in the Paris scientific community grew by leaps, and the more he studied nature the more evidence he saw of the Creator. On November 23, 1654, while reading John 17, he personally encountered Jesus Christ and jotted his impressions on a parchment: “From about half-past ten in the evening until about half-past twelve, FIRE! God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of the philosophers and scholars. Certitude. Feelings. Joy. Peace. This is eternal life, that they might know thee, the only true God, and the one whom Thou hast sent, Jesus Christ.” Pascal sewed the paper inside his coat lining and often in moments of temptation slipped his hand over it to press its message into his heart. His life changed, and he began giving much of his money to the poor. His scientific studies, world famous to this day, became second to his spiritual pursuits. His books display great craftsmanship of words, and even the infidel Voltaire remarked that Pascal’s writings were the first work of genius to appear in France. He became France’s Shakespeare, its Dante, its Plato, its Euclid. He designed the world’s first calculator, the first “bus” service, and paved the way for the invention of the barometer and the theories of probability. As his health failed, Pascal wanted to leave behind a final work, a defense of the Christian faith, challenging atheists and agnostics with the evidences for Christianity. He began making notes, but his headaches worsened. He died, leaving nearly 1,000 fragments which were soon assembled into one of the classics of Christian literature, the Pensées. (BORROW On this day : 365 amazing and inspiring stories about saints, martyrs & heroes Page 344) Summary of the High Priestly Prayer - WHAT DID THE FATHER GIVE TO THE SON? John 17:2 Authority over all flesh to give eternal life John 17:2, 6, 9, 24 All the men the Father had given Him John 17:4 The work to accomplish (cf Jn 4:34) John 17:7 Everything the Son had was a gift from the Father John 17:8 The words which He in turn gave to the disciples John 17:11-12 Father's Name John 17:22, 24 Glory WHAT DID THE SON GIVE DISCIPLES? John 17:2 Eternal life John 17:8,14 Words from the Father John 17:6, 26 Manifested or made known Father's Name John 17:22 Glory WHAT DID THE SON ASK THE FATHER? John 17:1,5 - To glorify Him John 17:11 - To keep disciples in Father's Name John 17:15 - To keep disciples from the evil (one) John 17:17 - To sanctify disciples in the truth, His Word John 17:20, 21 - That disciples may be one (unified) WHAT WAS TO BE THE RELATIONSHIP OF DISCIPLES AND THE GODLESS WORLD Jn 17:18 - Sent into the world John 17:11 - They are in the world John 17:16 - They are not of the world John 17:14 - They are hated by the world John 17:21 - That by their unity the world might believe Robert Neighbour - The Lord's Prayer • The Address — "Father" (John 17:1). • The Perspective — Facing the Cross (John 17:1). • The Retrospective — Facing an Accomplished Task (John 17:4, etc.). • The Father's Gifts to the Son (John 17.2, etc.). • The Believer and the World (John 17:15). • The Requests for His own (John 17:3). • The Difference between His Own and the World (John 17:9). The supper is ended, the hymn is sung and the Lord and the eleven are ready to "go out." The Lord Jesus is standing on the verge of His greatest sorrow. He tarries to speak words of tender comfort and cheer to those who have been with Him during three and one-half years of loving service. These words are recorded for us, in John, chapters 14, 15 and 16. After the message of comfort to His disciples, Christ lifted up His eyes to Heaven and prayed. It is all-important, as we study this prayer, to keep in mind the environment and the circumstances under which the prayer was spoken. The broken bread and the poured-forth wine of the "supper" assure us that the Lord Jesus fully realized His approach to the Cross. Thus, upon the very threshold of the hour of His anguish, He prayed this prayer. May God help us to grasp the deep meaning of the words which bring to us the very throbbings of the heart of Christ. The Address — "Father" "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to Heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee" (John 17:1). Suppose we analyze our prayers, and see if we keep the Father and His glory constantly in the foreground. There may be some who would deny the Virgin Birth, but Jesus Christ knew God as Father, and so addressed Him. There may be some who would imagine that this was a vain fancy of the Lord's. Not so. Our Lord in the moment that He faced the Cross, did not pillow His head on fancy. No, Jesus Christ both called God "Father," and proclaimed Himself as Son. Hear Him, "Father * * glorify Thy Son." In this most beautiful prayer, Christ six times addresses God as "Father." Let us gather up the passages. "Father, the hour is come" (vs. 1). "O Father, glorify Thou Me" (vs. 5). "Holy Father, keep" (vs. 11). "As Thou, Father, art in Me" (vs. 21). "Father, I will that they also" (vs. 24). "O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee" (vs. 25). The six passages above suffice to show us how Christ approached the Cross in unshaken trust in the Father. No clouds hung between them. The seventh time, that Christ said "Father," is in the next chapter, where Christ said to Peter, "Put up thy sword into the sheath; the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11). There is an eighth time when Christ said "Father." The next day as Christ hung upon the Cross, He hung there in the sinner's stead, tasting the cup of death. Observe that our Lord did hot then cry "Father;" but He cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" As He took the sinner's place He could no more say "Father," than the unregenerate of to-day can say, "Father." However, when the cry of "It is finished" had sounded forth; and when Christ bowed His head, satan was crushed and sin satisfied, He could cry, and did cry: "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit," and, "He gave up the ghost" (Luke 23:46). Let us return to our chief consideration — the tender and open relationship of Christ toward the Father. Christ in this prayer seemed lost in God. Everything He said bore close touch with the Father. He spoke of Himself and He spoke of us, His own, but in all of this the central thought was the Father. All was climaxed in Him. It will do your soul good to sit down and count the number of times Christ speaks by pronouns, addressing the Father. We ran the chapter over with the following results: The pronoun "Thou" occurs 27 times, as follows: in Jn 17:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 15, 18, 21, 21, 22, 23, 23, 23, 24, 24, 24, 25, 26. The pronoun "Thee" occurs 11 times, as follows: in Jn 17:1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, 21, 25, 25. The pronoun "Thy" occurs 9 times, as follows: in Jn 17:1, 1, 6, 6, 12, 14, 17, 17, 26. The pronoun "Thine" occurs 6 times, as follows: in Jn 17:5, 6, 9, 10, 10, 11. In all these pronouns occur 53 times. Suppose we analyze our prayers, and see if we keep the Father and His glory constantly in the foreground. Did not the Lord teach the disciples to pray: "Our Father, Who art in Heaven," etc.? and should we not also say, "Our Father"? QUESTION - What does it mean to glorify God? | GotQuestions.org] ANSWER - To glorify God is to honor Him with praise or worship. God is glorious; that is, He is great and magnificent—He is exceptionally grand in His nature and deeds. “Full of splendor and majesty is his work” (Psalm 111:3, ESV). When we glorify Him, we acknowledge His greatness and splendor and laud Him for it. When we “give Him glory,” as all the world is told to do in Revelation 14:7, we direct our praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and worship to Him who alone is worthy. Scripture makes our responsibility to glorify God evident from cover to cover. First Chronicles 16:17–36 presents a model for giving glory to God. As Asaph is installed as the chief minister before the ark of God, David instructs him in the method of worship: • give praise to the Lord (verse 8) • proclaim the greatness of God’s name (verse 8) • tell the whole world what God has done (verses 8–9, 24) • sing to the Lord (verses 9, 23) • glory, or exult, in His name (verse 10) • rejoice in Him (verse 10) • seek out the Lord and trust in His power (verse 11) • remember all the Lord’s mighty deeds (verse 12) • ascribe glory and strength to Him because it is His due (verses 28–29). To ascribe is to think of as belonging, as a quality or characteristic; thus, we regard the Lord as possessing glory and strength. • bring an offering to God (verse 29). In Asaph’s time, the offerings were in accordance with the Law of Moses; today, we are “to offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is [our] true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). • worship the Lord (verse 29) • give thanks to God for His goodness and love (verse 34) • cry out to God for deliverance (verse 35) El Elyon, the Most High God, is the possessor of all true majesty and resplendence. Glory is His by virtue of His nature, and He rightfully refuses to share it with others: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8). By virtue of who God is, we have an obligation to glorify God at all times (1 Corinthians 10:31). Those who refuse to glorify God face severe judgment, as witnessed by the example of Herod usurping God’s glory in Acts 12:21–23. We can, of course, glorify God with our words of praise and thanksgiving. We can also glorify God through our works of service for Him. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Bearing fruit for the kingdom of God also brings glory to Him (John 15:8). Even in our manner of death, we can glorify God (see John 21:19). To glorify God is to extol His attributes, praise His works, trust His name, and obey His Word. He is holy, faithful, merciful, gracious, loving, majestic, sovereign, powerful, and omniscient—and that’s just for starters. His works are wonderful, wise, marvelous, and fearfully complex. His Word is “perfect . . . trustworthy . . . right . . . radiant . . . pure . . . firm . . . precious” (Psalm 19:7–10). His salvation is astonishing, timely, and near. No matter how loudly or widely we proclaim the glory of God, He is worthy of more. In the refrain of her 1875 hymn, “To God Be the Glory,” Fanny Crosby exhorts us to do what is right by extolling the Lord for all His work: “O come to the Father through Jesus the Son and give Him the glory, great things He has done!” Related Resources: What is the glory of God? How can I glorify God in everything I do? C H
João 17
Robertson - The knowledge of “the only true God” is through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6–9). Having eternal life is here defined as being in relationship with the Father, the one true God, and Jesus Christ Whom the Father sent NET NOTE - This is eternal life. The author here defines eternal life for the readers, although it is worked into the prayer in such a way that many interpreters do not regard it as another of the author’s parenthetical comments. It is not just unending life in the sense of prolonged duration. Rather it is a quality of life, with its quality derived from a relationship with God. Having eternal life is here defined as being in relationship with the Father, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom the Father sent. Christ (χριστός, Christos) is not characteristically attached to Jesus’ name in John’s Gospel; it occurs elsewhere primarily as a title and is used with Jesus’ name only in Jn 1:17. But that is connected to its use here: The statement here in Jn 17:3 enables us to correlate the statement made in Jn 1:18 of the prologue, that Jesus has fully revealed what God is like, with Jesus’ statement in Jn 10:10 that he has come that people might have life, and have it abundantly. These two purposes are really one, according to 17:3, because (abundant) eternal life is defined as knowing (being in relationship with) the Father and the Son. The only way to gain this eternal life, that is, to obtain this knowledge of the Father, is through the Son (cf. Jn 14:6). Although some have pointed to the use of know (γινώσκω, ginōskō) here as evidence of Gnostic influence in the Fourth Gospel, there is a crucial difference: For John this knowledge is not intellectual, but relational. It involves being in relationship. "To know” God does not refer merely to cognitive knowledge (the Greek conception) it means living in fellowship with God Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible - Many religions relate life after death to the knowledge of God or of gods. Yet the Bible is distinct in that “to know” God does not refer merely to cognitive knowledge (the Greek conception); it means living in fellowship with God. Of course, God can also be known to a limited extent through creation (Rom 1:18-25), but ultimately knowledge of God is contingent upon salvation. Moreover, here Jesus is presented as the sole authorized representative of this one true God. He is the God-sent Messiah, God’s Anointed One, the Christ. Just as there is only one true God, there is only one way to the Father: Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6; Carson 1991, 556; Morris 1995, 638). (SEE The Gospels and Acts - Page 22) Brian Bell - eternal life - defined here as not just as a conscious existence forever, but as knowing God which is real quality life. 1. It’s knowing both the Father & Jesus. 2. “He who separates Christ from the Divinity of the Father, does not yet acknowledge Him who is the only true God, but rather invents for himself a strange god.” (Calvin) Merrill Tenney suggests that: “life is active involvement with environment; death is the cessation of involvement with the environment.” A caterpillar has an earthly life, in that its environment is the dirt in which it lives. It has no capacity to interact with an environment of water or air. A caterpillar can also have a life that is not earth bound, but it must take on a transformed life! Similarly human beings have biological life that enables them to interact with the realm of life on earth. Human beings have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual & eternal. Unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ, & have been given eternal life by God. Knowing God - Turn to Jer. 9:23,24 1. It is knowing Him Intellectually – (knowing the truth/understands God) 2. It is knowing Him Intimately – (know = yada “an intimate knowledge of God”) 3. It is knowing Him Morally – (exercising/practicing love, justice & rt) We know God as ours, because He knows us as His! Knowing God is: Knowing what God is like & to be on the moist intimate terms of knowledge of friendship w/Him. Do you know Him? Know (1097) ginosko; English derivatives - prognosis, gnostic, Gnosticism) means to acquire information through some modality, as through sense perception (hearing). However ginosko involves experiential knowledge, not merely the accumulation of known facts. Ginosko is one of the major verbs of the Bible and because of its numerous uses, it is not surprising that Greek lexicographers ascribe a number of nuances of meaning including to get to know, come to understand, to ascertain, to have intimate relations with another, etc. The various meanings are outlined, discussed and illustrated in the notes that follow. Keep in mind that the basic meaning of ginosko is to know by experience. Ginosko means “to know with experience.” It is not merely an opinion or a mental acceptance. “To know” something or someone means to grasp the full reality of it or him, to penetrate into the very nature of the object or person. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for “to know” also described the intimate relationship between man and wife (Genesis 4:1, 25), and this same meaning is carried over into the New Testament (Matthew 1:25; Luke 1:34). In many of the NT uses ginosko refers not just to knowledge in a secular sense but to spiritual knowledge. As Puritan Stephen Charnock said "A man man be theologically knowing (Ed: "Pharisee-like") and spiritually ignorant. (See discussion of Jn 7:17 which clearly links spiritual gnosis or knowledge with obedience.) In a related aphorism Charnock quipped that "Knowledge in the head is as money in the purse; knowledge in the heart is as money for our use." GINOSKO IS USED EXTENSIVELY IN JOHN'S WRITINGS - 56 TIMES IN THE GOSPEL - Jn. 1:10; Jn. 1:48; Jn. 2:24; Jn. 2:25; Jn. 3:10; Jn. 4:1; Jn. 4:53; Jn. 5:6; Jn. 5:42; Jn. 6:15; Jn. 6:69; Jn. 7:17; Jn. 7:26; Jn. 7:27; Jn. 7:49; Jn. 7:51; Jn. 8:27; Jn. 8:28; Jn. 8:32; Jn. 8:43; Jn. 8:52; Jn. 8:55; Jn. 10:6; Jn. 10:14; Jn. 10:15; Jn. 10:27; Jn. 10:38; Jn. 11:57; Jn. 12:9; Jn. 12:16; Jn. 13:7; Jn. 13:12; Jn. 13:28; Jn. 13:35; Jn. 14:7; Jn. 14:9; Jn. 14:17; Jn. 14:20; Jn. 14:31; Jn. 15:18; Jn. 16:3; Jn. 16:19; Jn. 17:3; Jn. 17:7; Jn. 17:8; Jn. 17:23; Jn. 17:25; Jn. 19:4; Jn. 21:17 GINOSKO - 25X/21V - 1 Jn. 2:3; 1 Jn. 2:4; 1 Jn. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:13; 1 Jn. 2:14; 1 Jn. 2:18; 1 Jn. 2:29; 1 Jn. 3:1; 1 Jn. 3:6; 1 Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:19; 1 Jn. 3:20; 1 Jn. 3:24; 1 Jn. 4:2; 1 Jn. 4:6; 1 Jn. 4:7; 1 Jn. 4:8; 1 Jn. 4:13; 1 Jn. 4:16; 1 Jn. 5:2; 1 Jn. 5:20; 2 Jn. 1:1; GINOSKO - 5X/5V - Rev. 2:23; Rev. 2:24; Rev. 3:3; Rev. 3:9 True (228) alethinos from alethes = true, one who cannot lie) is an adjective which pertains to being in accordance with historical fact - genuine, real, true, valid, trustworthy (worthy of confidence, dependable). Alethinos describes that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name -- thus genuine not spurious, fictitious, counterfeit, imaginary, simulated or pretended. In 1Th 1:9 in describing God as "True God" Paul is saying that He is a genuine, truthful (and thus trustworthy) God, as opposed to the counterfeit gods of idolatry that have no objective existence nor divine truth. Paul is emphasizing the monotheistic character of the Deity the Thessalonians now served which sharply distinguished them from the pagan so-called gods. True God - This phrase is also found in 2Chr. 15:3 (Lxx = alethinos); Jer 10:10; Jn. 17:3; 1Th 1:9; 1Jn. 5:20. Beloved, aren't we glad we worship and serve the One Who Alone can truly be called the "True God!" Praise Him today for revealing His truth to our blind, spiritually darkened hearts in Jesus Who is the Truth (Jn 14:6, cp 2Cor 4:6, Acts 26:18). ALETHINOS - 26X - Lk. 16:11; Jn. 1:9; Jn. 4:23; Jn. 4:37; Jn. 6:32; Jn. 7:28; Jn. 8:16; Jn. 15:1; Jn. 17:3; Jn. 19:35; 1 Thess. 1:9; Heb. 8:2; Heb. 9:24; Heb. 10:22; 1 Jn. 2:8; 1 Jn. 5:20; Rev. 3:7; Rev. 3:14; Rev. 6:10; Rev. 15:3; Rev. 16:7; Rev. 19:2; Rev. 19:9; Rev. 19:11; Rev. 21:5; Rev. 22:6 Sent (649) apostello from apo = from, away from + stello = to withdraw from, avoid) means to send off, to send forth, to send out. To send out; to commission as a representative, an ambassador, an envoy. The idea is to send forth from one place to another. But the meaning of apostello is more than just to send because it means "to send off on a commission to do something as one’s personal representative, with credentials furnished" (Wuest) To send upon some business (Mt. 2:16; 10:5; 20:2). To send away in the sense of to dismiss (Mk 12:3, 4). To send or thrust forth as a sickle among corn (Mk 4:29). See New International Dictionary of NT Theology for - 8 page discussion including discussion of apostle APOSTELLO IN JOHN'S WRITINGS - Jn. 1:6; Jn. 1:19; Jn. 1:24; Jn. 3:17; Jn. 3:28; Jn. 3:34; Jn. 4:38; Jn. 5:33; Jn. 5:36; Jn. 5:38; Jn. 6:29; Jn. 6:57; Jn. 7:29; Jn. 7:32; Jn. 8:42; Jn. 9:7; Jn. 10:36; Jn. 11:3; Jn. 11:42; Jn. 17:3; Jn. 17:8; Jn. 17:18; Jn. 17:21; Jn. 17:23; Jn. 17:25; Jn. 18:24; Jn. 20:21; 1 Jn. 4:9; 1 Jn. 4:10; 1 Jn. 4:14; Rev. 1:1; Rev. 5:6; Rev. 22:6 QUESTION - What is eternal life? ANSWER - When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is in contrast to the “death” that is the natural result of sin. The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The fact that this life is “eternal” indicates that it is perpetual life—it goes on and on and on, with no end. It is a mistake, however, to view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well as quantity. In fact, eternal life is not really associated with “years” at all, as it is independent of time. Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time. For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life (the verb is present tense in the Greek, too). We find similar present-tense constructions in John 5:24 and John 6:47. The focus of eternal life is not on our future, but on our current standing in Christ. The Bible inextricably links eternal life with the Person of Jesus Christ. John 17:3 is an important passage in this regard, as Jesus prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Here, Jesus equates “eternal life” with a knowledge of God and of the Son. There is no knowledge of God without the Son, for it is through the Son that the Father reveals Himself to the elect (John 17:6; 14:9). This life-giving knowledge of the Father and the Son is a true, personal knowledge, not just an academic awareness. There will be some on Judgment Day who had claimed to be followers of Christ but never really had a relationship with Him. To those false professors, Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). The apostle Paul made it his goal to know the Lord, and he linked that knowledge to resurrection from the dead: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11). In the New Jerusalem, the apostle John sees a river flowing from “the throne of God and of the Lamb,” and “on each side of the river stood the tree of life. . . . And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1–2). In Eden, we rebelled against God and were banished from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). In the end, God graciously restores our access to the tree of life. This access is provided through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Right now, every sinner is invited to know Christ and to receive eternal life: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). How can you know that you have eternal life? First of all, confess your sin before our holy God. Then accept God’s provision of a Savior on your behalf. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, and He rose again the third day. Believe this good news; trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9 –10). John puts it so simply: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11–12). Related Resources: How can you know that you have eternal life? John 17:3 Do We Know God American writer Mark Twain was known for his wit and charm. On a trip to Europe he was invited to dinner with a head of state. When his daughter learned of the invitation, she said, “Daddy, you know every big person there is to know except God.” Sadly, that was true, because Mark Twain was an unbelieving skeptic. That daughter’s comment should cause us to ask ourselves if we know God. We may be blessed with life-enriching friendships, acquainted with a wide circle of important people, but do we know God? And is our knowledge of Him more than second-hand information or speculation, the things we might read in books? Jesus wanted His disciples to have an intimate knowledge of God. He prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). This knowledge is intensely personal, and is gained only through a deep, prolonged friendship. Indeed, the knowledge referred to in this text and elsewhere in Scripture is compared with the intimacy of husband and wife as they become one (Genesis 4:1). It's not enough to know God with your head; you must know Him in your heart. The Beauty of Rome Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God. John 17:3 Today's Scripture & Insight : John 17:1–5 The glory of the Roman Empire offered an expansive backdrop for the birth of Jesus. In 27 bc Rome’s first emperor, Caesar Augustus, ended 200 years of civil war and began to replace rundown neighborhoods with monuments, temples, arenas, and government complexes. According to Roman historian Pliny the Elder, they were “the most beautiful buildings the world has ever seen.” Yet even with her beauty, the Eternal City and its empire had a history of brutality that continued until Rome fell. Thousands of slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, and army deserters were crucified on roadside poles as a warning to anyone who dared to defy the power of Rome. What irony that Jesus’s death on a Roman cross turned out to reveal an eternal glory that made the pride of Rome look like the momentary beauty of a sunset! Who could have imagined that in the public curse and agony of the cross we would find the eternal glory of the love, presence, and kingdom of our God? Father in heaven, please help us to reflect the heart of Your sacrifice for the world. May Your love become our love, Your life our life, and Your glory our never-ending joy. The Lamb who died is the Lord who lives! The Main Goal Of Life Professing to be wise, they became fools. — Romans 1:22 Today's Scripture : John 17:1-5,22-26 In 1636, a group of Puritans founded Harvard University. Its motto was Christo et Ecclesiae, which means “For Christ and the Church.” One of the school’s guiding principles was this: “Everyone shall consider the main end of his life and studies, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. John 17:3.” That prestigious center of learning and culture has long since abandoned its original spiritual intent. Even many Harvard Divinity School faculty members now regard its Christ-centered goal as narrow-minded and outdated. In fact, not long ago a group of Harvard students staged a mock funeral procession through the Divinity School. They carried a coffin and proclaimed, “Our God, the Father, is dead.” Those students were as far from the truth as east is from west. The everlasting Father, who has created all life (including those who mock Him), is as immune to death as He is to sin. My heart's desire is to know You, Lord, To walk close to You today; To know Your grace, Your love, Your power, For You are my life and my way. —Bierema To know life's purpose, we must know life's Creator. When Life Is Cut Short I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. —John 17:4 Today's Scripture : John 17:1-5 My husband Bill died of cancer in 1982. He was only 48 and was still energetic in ministry. Many have asked, “Why was Bill taken at such a young age when he was accomplishing so much for the Lord?” For years I’ve been unable to find a clear-cut answer to that question. But I have found some helpful perspectives as I’ve considered the life and death of Christ. Before He died in His thirties, Jesus prayed to His Father, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (Jn. 17:4). the value of life is computed not by its duration but by its donation. Philosopher William James said that the value of life is computed not by its duration but by its donation. Except for the obvious necessity of the cross, Jesus could have continued performing amazing deeds if He had lived longer. But such deeds wouldn’t have enlarged His supreme donation—His life and death, which provided our great salvation. The work that He completed is still bearing fruit by His Spirit. Paul Powell wrote, “It is important to remember that one’s harvest is not always reaped in this life.” God’s work through our lives will continue bearing fruit long after we’re gone. Our life of service to the Lord Bears fruit long after we are gone; So even if our life's cut short, Our work for Christ will carry on. —Sper You don't need a long life to live a good life. Where the Battle Lies I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. — John 17:4 Today's Scripture : Psalm 40:1-8 Miriam Booth, daughter of the founder of the Salvation Army, was a brilliant and cultured woman who began her Christian work with great promise and unusual success. Very soon, however, disease brought her to the point of death. A friend told her it seemed a pity that a woman of her capabilities should be hindered by sickness from doing the Lord’s work. With deep insight and gentle grace, Miriam replied, “It’s wonderful to do the Lord’s work, but it’s greater still to do the Lord’s will!” Commenting on John 17:4, blind minister and hymnwriter George Matheson said, “Was the work of the Master indeed done? Was not His heaviest task yet to come? He had not yet met the dread hour of death. Why did He say, then, that His work was done? It was because He knew that when the will is given, the battle is ended! . . . The cup which our Father gives us to drink is a cup of the will. It is easy for the lips to drain it when once the heart has accepted it. . . .The act is easy after the choice.” Conquered by grace, I bowed my head; Forgetting myself, I humbly said, “Whatever comes, His will be done!” And in that moment, peace was won. —Anon. The best way to know God’s will is to say “I will” to God. Yes Or No? This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. —John 17:3 Today's Scripture: John 5:24-40 If God were to give professing believers a quiz on Christianity, many would score well. They would be able to answer “Yes, it’s true” to questions such as: Did Christ die for your sins? Did He rise from the dead? Is He coming back to earth? Pastor and author Bruce Larson says that he grew up saying yes to these types of biblical doctrines. But eventually he sensed that God was asking him some new questions: 1. Will you trust Me with your life, yes or no? 2. Will you entrust yourself to My church family, yes or no? 3. Will you serve Me by getting involved with others, yes or no? Only when Larson said yes to these questions did God become real in his life. To the religious leaders of His day, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40). Jesus was saying, in effect, “You can answer true to many facts of Scripture, but you won’t say yes to Me.” Mere mental assent to the truths of God's Word Is not the response God requires; Your total dependence on Christ from the heart Is what God our Father desires. —Hess It's not enough to know the facts of salvation—you must also know the Savior. Mr. Eternity This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. —John 17:3 Today's Scripture : John 17:1-5,20-26 Eternity! Is there any concept more awesome? Our minds simply can’t grasp the idea of endless existence. Arthur Stace of Sydney, Australia, was gripped by the thought that people without Christ are destined for a lost eternity. So he would rise early in the morning and chalk the word eternity on the pavement throughout his city. Eventually he became known as “Mr. Eternity.” Many people responded to his humble ministry by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. When the Bible speaks about eternal life, it refers to our relationship with God, not merely the passing of time. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17:3 as knowing the true God intimately. Yet eternity means an existence that will never cease. The question is: Where will we spend that existence? Moment by inevitable moment, we are all moving through time toward eternity. Does that fill us with joyful expectancy or with a sense of dread? It all depends on our relationship to Jesus Christ. He has provided the only way to the Father (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12). His sacrifice for sin is what makes it possible for us to “be with the Lord” (1 Th. 4:17). Eternity, eternity, To some a blessed thought, To others, separation from The One they had not sought. —Peterson The one who lives for this life only will have eternity to regret it. He Wants More You always sit in the row ahead of Sam in church. You smile and say “Good morning” when you come in. You say “See you next Sunday” when you leave. But one morning, you add a little conversation: “Sam, could you give me a hundred dollars?” Unfortunately, that’s the way some people treat the Lord. They have a Sunday-only relationship with Him until they need something. But God desires much more. The Lord wants us first of all to know Him as our Savior. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). After we become His child (1:12), God desires an ongoing dialog with us and a growing knowledge of who He is and who we can be with His help. He doesn’t want to be a Sunday-only acquaintance or Someone we cry out to only when we’re desperate. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him. He also wants us to grow in our desire to please Him by obeying Him. “We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). The Lord wants more than platitudes From those for whom He died; He longs for us to know His love, And in that love abide. —D. De Haan Knowing about God may interest us, but knowing God will change us. The Most Basic Belief This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ. —John 17:3 Adolf Hitler was dead. Germany was embarking on the overwhelming task of rebuilding itself as a nation. The German theologian Karl Barth had just returned from exile in Switzerland to the University of Bonn. With the noise of cranes and earthmovers in the background, Barth began his first lecture to a class of war-weary students. His very first sentence was: “I believe in God.” “I believe in God.” Those are also the first words of The Apostles’ Creed, and they are an affirmation that is basic to our Christian faith. In fact, that statement is the foundation from which we view all time and eternity. That belief is the only solid foundation for rebuilding a nation or for building a life. If we ignore God, the best of human efforts will crumble in the long run and be shown to have no eternal value. We must be sure, however, that the God we believe in is the one, true, and living God (Hebrews 11:6). We must believe in the God who has made Himself known in the Bible, and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His heavenly Father, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Sing praise to God who reigns above, The God of all creation, The God of power, the God of love, The God of our salvation. —Schutz The only solid foundation for building a life is belief in God. QUESTION - If Jesus is God, why did He say that the Father is the only true God in John 17:3? ANSWER - For opponents of the Bible, claiming there are contradictions or inconsistencies in the text has been one of the most common arguments against its reliability. One such claim is based on John 17:3, where Jesus states, “Now this is eternal life; that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Those antagonistic toward the Bible argue that this verse directly contradicts the claim that Jesus is God. They say that this passage proves that Jesus Himself agrees that there is only one true God, which is not Himself, since He refers to Himself as separate and distinct from the “true God.” Context Is Key A bit of context here is helpful. John chapter 17 is a prayer from Jesus to the Holy Father. Since this is a prayer, it is only natural for Jesus to refer to God the Father separately. In that prayer Jesus initially prays that both the Father and the Son be glorified (John 17:1–5). Next, He prays for His disciples (John 17:6–19). Finally, He prays for all believers, both current and future (John 17:20–26). These requests come at the time just prior to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was ultimately betrayed by Judas Iscariot and taken prisoner by the Romans (John 18:1–14). The fact that Jesus (the Son) and God (the Father) are presented as separate Beings is nothing new. In fact, the first time we hear from God the Father in the New Testament is at the baptism of Jesus. There, God says, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Distinction of person does not equate to a lack of oneness. Jesus and the Father Are One Jesus claimed to be one with God, and that made His enemies furious. In John 10:30, Jesus states unequivocally, “I and the Father are one.” The next verse says, “His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him” (John 10:31). Jesus’ claim to be God amounted to blasphemy in the eyes of the Jewish leaders. Jesus goes on to question them: “Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son?’ Do not believe Me unless I do the works of My Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father” (John 10:36–38). Here, Jesus is challenging these skeptics to look at the miracles He had performed and come up with an explanation other than that Jesus and God the Father are one. Even contrary spiritual forces agreed with the fact that Jesus and the Father are one. In explaining saving faith to believers, James, the brother of Jesus says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19). Theologian Wayne Grudem explains the idea of oneness, saying that Jesus and God the Father “are distinct persons, and the being of each person is equal to the whole being of God” (Systematic Theology). Jesus Claimed to Be (and Is) Fully God Though Jesus never actually said the words, “I am God” in the pages of the Bible, that doesn’t mean that He didn’t claim to be God. Right after speaking of the “only true God” in John 17: 3, Jesus spoke of the glory that He had with God “before the world began” (verse 5; cf. John 1:1). Earlier, Jesus had made the following statement to the religious leaders who were resisting Him: “Very truly I tell you . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). Jesus’ reference was to Exodus 3:14 when God revealed Himself as the “I AM.” In this statement, Jesus told them point blank that He is God. The response of His enemies proved His statement was heard loud and clear. As they held stones to throw at Him, they said, “We are not stoning You for any good work but for blasphemy, because You, a mere Man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). The Only True God — Conclusion John 17:3 needs to be read in context to fully appreciate what Jesus was saying in that prayer. The contrast is not between the Father and the Son but between the Father and the world’s false gods and idols. Jesus is conversing with the Father who is in heaven while Jesus is on earth. Jesus’ statement that the Father is the only true God should not be seen as contradictory or inconsistent with the whole of the Bible, which supports the fact Jesus Christ is God. Related Resources: Dr Wayne Grudem - Systematic Theology - God is Three Persons - EXCERPT - "God Is Three Persons. The fact that God is three persons means that the Father is not the Son; they are distinct persons. It also means that the Father is not the Holy Spirit, but that they are distinct persons. And it means that the Son is not the Holy Spirit. These distinctions are seen in a number of the passages quoted in the earlier section as well as in many additional New Testament passages." Octavius Winslow - John 17:3 WHEN does this acquaintance between God and man commence? It commences in reconciliation—it commences at the time of man's peace with God. I can form no acquaintance with an individual against whom my heart cherishes deep, inveterate, and deadly enmity; my very hatred, my very dislike to that individual prevents me from studying his character, from analyzing his heart, and from knowing what are his feelings towards me. But bring me into a state of amity with that individual—remove my enmity, take away my dislike, propitiate his feelings towards me, and then I am in a position for studying and becoming acquainted with his character. The Holy Spirit does this in man; He takes away the enmity of the sinner's heart, humbles his spirit, and bows it in penitence; constrains the sinner to lay down the weapons of his hostility against God—brings him to see that the God against whom he has been battling and fighting all his life is a God of love, a God who draws sinners to Himself, a God who is reconciled in Jesus Christ. That soul, disarmed of its rebellion and enmity, is now brought into a position for the study of God's character. Looking at God now, not through the law, but through the gospel, not in creation, but in Christ, he is in a position for becoming acquainted with God. And oh what an acquaintance he now forms! All his dark and shadowy conceptions vanish away; all his distorted views are rectified; and the God that he thought was a God so hateful, a God whose law was so repulsive, a God who was so harsh and tyrannical, he sees now to be a God of infinite mercy and love in Jesus Christ: now he becomes acquainted with Him as a sin-pardoning God, blotting out the utmost remnant of his transgressions; he becomes acquainted with Him as a God reconciled in Christ, and therefore a Father pacified towards him. Oh! what a discovery is made to him of that God, with whom before his soul lived in the darkest and deepest alienation! Thus he becomes acquainted with God, when his heart becomes reconciled to God. A closer and more simple view of Jesus, a daily study of Jesus, must deepen my acquaintance with God. As I know more of the heart of Christ, I know more of the heart of the Father; as I know more of the love of the Savior, I know more of the love of Him who gave me that Savior; as I know more of His travail of soul, to work out my redemption—as I know more of the tears of blood He shed—as I know more of the groans of agony He breathed—as I know more of the convulsions through which He passed—as I know more of the death-throes of the spotless soul of His—I know more of the heart of God, more of the character of God, and more of the love of God. Want you to see more of the glory of God? See it in the face of Jesus. Learn it in the "brightness of the Father's glory," learn it in "the express image of His person," as it stands revealed to you in the person and in the work of Jesus Christ. Rob
João 17
Robertson - Jesus prays for full restoration to the pre-incarnate glory and fellowship (cf. Jn 1:1) enjoyed before the Incarnation (John 1:14). This is not just ideal pre-existence, but actual and conscious existence at the Father’s side ([para soi], with thee) “which I had” ([hēi eichon], imperfect active of echō, I used to have. Brian Bell - J. S. Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.” 1. He headed his compositions: J.J. “Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus help me.” 2. He ended them S.D.G. “Soli Dei gratia” means “To God alone the praise” World (2889) kosmos related to the verb kosmeo = to order or adorn, to put in order [Mt 25:7 = "trimmed"], to adorn literally [1Ti 2:9], to adorn figuratively [Titus 2:9+]) means essentially something that is well-arranged, that which has order or something arranged harmoniously. Kosmos refers to an ordered system or a system where order prevails. As explained below however, kosmos as used in James 4:4 and many places in the NT, takes on a considerably more negative shade of meaning. In this sense kosmos is much like the Greek word for flesh (sarx), which can be a neutral word, but which many times in the NT takes on an evil connotation. John often uses “world” as human society organized and functioning apart from God. In this sense it is "anti-God" energy, human society organized and functioning apart from God.. In John 16:28 he uses kosmos to refer to this planet inhabited by mankind world. Related Resources: An Out-of-this-World Experience A Look at Kosmos in the Johannine Literature See 6 page article on Kosmos in New International Dictionary of NT Theology Kosmos in John's writings - Jn. 1:9; Jn. 1:10; Jn. 1:29; Jn. 3:16; Jn. 3:17; Jn. 3:19; Jn. 4:42; Jn. 6:14; Jn. 6:33; Jn. 6:51; Jn. 7:4; Jn. 7:7; Jn. 8:12; Jn. 8:23; Jn. 8:26; Jn. 9:5; Jn. 9:39; Jn. 10:36; Jn. 11:9; Jn. 11:27; Jn. 12:19; Jn. 12:25; Jn. 12:31; Jn. 12:46; Jn. 12:47; Jn. 13:1; Jn. 14:17; Jn. 14:19; Jn. 14:22; Jn. 14:27; Jn. 14:30; Jn. 14:31; Jn. 15:18; Jn. 15:19; Jn. 16:8; Jn. 16:11; Jn. 16:20; Jn. 16:21; Jn. 16:28; Jn. 16:33; Jn. 17:5; Jn. 17:6; Jn. 17:9; Jn. 17:11; Jn. 17:13; Jn. 17:14; Jn. 17:15; Jn. 17:16; Jn. 17:18; Jn. 17:21; Jn. 17:23; Jn. 17:24; Jn. 17:25; Jn. 18:20; Jn. 18:36; Jn. 18:37; Jn. 21:25; 1 Jn. 2:2; 1 Jn. 2:15; 1 Jn. 2:16; 1 Jn. 2:17; 1 Jn. 3:1; 1 Jn. 3:13; 1 Jn. 3:17; 1 Jn. 4:1; 1 Jn. 4:3; 1 Jn. 4:4; 1 Jn. 4:5; 1 Jn. 4:9; 1 Jn. 4:14; 1 Jn. 4:17; 1 Jn. 5:4; 1 Jn. 5:5; 1 Jn. 5:19; 2 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 17:8 James Smith - THE WORLD. I. The State of the World. The world was made by Him (John 1:10)—Creation. Sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:12)—Corruption. The whole world lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:19)—Desolation. The devil is the god of the world (2 Cor. 4:4), and in Matthew 4:8 we see him offering to sell it. II. The Hope of the World. God loved the world (John 3:16)—Compassion. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)— Substitution. That the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17)—Salvation. He is the propitiation for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). III. The Need of the World. He will convince the world of sin (John 16:8)—Conviction. That all the world may become guilty (Rom. 3:19)—Contrition. That the world may know Thou hast sent Me (John 17:23)— Confession. The gift of tongues at Pentecost is a proof that God desires all to hear and live. The message was for "every creature under Heaven" (Col. 1:23). IV. The Believer and the World. He is given to Christ out of the world (John 17:6)—Divinely separated. He is sent by Christ into the world (John 17:18)—Divinely commissioned. He is indwelt by Christ for the blessing of the world (John 17:23)—Divinely equipped. QUESTION - Does the Bible support the pre-existence of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org ANSWER - The biblical argument for the pre-existence of Jesus is certainly multi-faceted. Pre-existence is defined as “existence in a former state or previous to something else.” In the case of Jesus Christ, His pre-existence means that, before He became a man and walked upon the earth, He was already in existence as the second Person of the triune God. The Bible not only explicitly teaches this doctrine but also implies this fact at various points throughout the Gospels and Epistles. In addition, Jesus’ own actions reveal His divine identity and, as a consequence, His pre-existence. Several places in the New Testament explicitly teach Jesus’ pre-existence. Jesus said, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:5). This passage alone is sufficient to show that the Scripture supports Jesus’ pre-existence, but it is just one of many such passages. Jesus Himself explicitly taught His own pre-existence (John 3:13; 6:33, 38, 62; 8:23; 16:28, 17:5). Christ even said that He existed prior to Abraham’s birth (John 8:58–59) even though Abraham’s birth preceded Jesus’ own birth by many centuries! Several texts present Jesus as pre-existing with His Father (Romans 8:3; 1 John 1:2; Galatians 4:4). Several passages even identify Jesus as the Creator (John 1:2–3; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 1:2). Probably the most powerful evidence for the pre-existence of Christ was the very behavior of Jesus Himself. He was often doing and saying things that only the God of Israel had the right or power to do. Jesus’ healing of the paralytic in Mark 2 was done to demonstrate His authority and His ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:3–12). Jesus’ Jewish audience was well aware that such actions were reserved only for Yahweh. Jesus’ actions in Luke 7 drew a similar reaction (Luke 7:48–50). That Jesus pre-existed in His divinity is further proven by His being the object of worship repeatedly in the Gospels (Matthew 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52; John 9:38; 20:28). Never did Jesus reject such adoration. He saw such worship as entirely appropriate. Jesus implied that He had authority over the Sabbath (Mark 2:28) as well as the authority to abolish the Law (Ephesians 2:14–15). Such behavior is sheer blasphemy coming from anyone short of a divine (and therefore pre-existent) Person. In addition, Jesus identified Himself as the divine Son of Man (Mark 14:61–64) and claimed to be able to raise Himself from the dead (John 10:17–18)! This turned out to be the very miracle that He claimed would authenticate His radical claims and ministry (Matthew 12:38–40;16:1–4). Jesus accomplished this grand miracle and gave convincing proof of it (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:26; 21:1-14; Acts 1:3–6). This miracle established Jesus’ claim to deity and thus provides further confirmation of His pre-existence. Related Resource: Did Jesus exist before Abraham? | GotQuestions.org Don’t Forget Yourself! Today’s Reading: John 17:1–5 “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” —John 17:5 Are you surprised that Christ’s high-priestly prayer in John 17 began with a petition for himself? He was at the most crucial moment of His earthly life; soon He would take up the cross and bear the punishment for the sins of the world. His concern for others was obvious. He would specifically mention His disciples. Then He would intercede for His church, which would endure great persecution through the centuries. But first He prayed for himself. Some Christians think it’s wrong to pray for themselves. However, we shouldn’t feel guilty about bringing our own needs and concerns to the Lord. A girl listened carefully to her mother’s prayers and said, “Mom, you’re always praying for somebody else. You never pray for yourself, but I think you should.” She was right, for we do need to ask the Lord for His guidance, forgiveness, patience, and grace. When you spend time in God’s presence, tell Him about your hopes, your worries, your desires, and your needs. He’ll help you see things more clearly and give you the needed direction. As you go to the Lord in prayer, pray for others. But don’t forget yourself. Before The Beginning O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. — John 17:5 Today's Scripture : Genesis 1 When he was a teenager, my son asked me one of those questions that make you earn your pay as a parent. “Dad,” Steve inquired, “if God has existed for eternity, what was He doing before He created the universe?” So, what was happening in the eons before “God created the heavens and the earth”? (Gen. 1:1). For one thing, we know that there was “wisdom” before creation itself, which came from God’s character. Wisdom, personified in Proverbs 8:23, said, “I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.” Also, we know that God’s salvation plan of grace was in the works before the world was hung in its place. In 2 Timothy 1:9, we read that grace “was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” Likewise, Titus 1:2 says that eternal life was promised “before time began.” We also know that Jesus was glorified and loved in God’s presence “before the world was” (John 17:5; see also v.24). Great God of the universe, we stand amazed that You are the Alpha and Omega—the Beginning and the End—and so much more. Thank You that we can worship and magnify You. The created world is but a small parenthesis in eternity. —Sir Thomas Browne John 17:6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. BGT John 17:6 Ἐφανέρωσά σου τὸ ὄνομα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις οὓς ἔδωκάς μοι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου. σοὶ ἦσαν κἀμοὶ αὐτοὺς ἔδωκας καὶ τὸν λόγον σου τετήρηκαν. NET John 17:6 "I have revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. CSB John 17:6 I have revealed Your name to the men You gave Me from the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. ESV John 17:6 "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. NIV John 17:6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. NLT John 17:6 "I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. have manifested: John 17:26 Jn 1:18 Jn 12:28 Ex 3:13-15 9:16 34:5-7 Ps 22:22 71:17-19 Mt 11:25-27 Lu 10:21,22 2Co 4:6 Heb 2:12 1Jn 5:20 the men: John 17:2,9,11,14,16,24 6:37 10:27-29 15:19 18:9 Ac 13:48 they were Yours: John 17:9,10 Ro 8:28-30 Ro 11:2 Eph 1:4-11 2Th 2:13,14 1Pe 1:1 they have kept Your word.: John 8:31-32 14:21-24 15:3,7 Ps 119:11 Pr 2:1-5,10 3:1-4 23:23 Col 3:16 2Ti 1:13 Heb 3:6 Rev 2:13 3:8 Related Passages: Romans 8:28-30 And we know that God (THE FATHER) causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He (THE FATHER) foreknew, He (THE FATHER) also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He (THE SON) would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He (THE FATHER) predestined, He (THE FATHER) also called; and these whom He (THE FATHER) called, He (THE FATHER) also justified; and these whom He justified, He (THE FATHER) also glorified. 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 14 (NOTE THE TRINITY) But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God (THE FATHER) has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He (THE FATHER) called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. John 14:8-11 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus *said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, Hebrews 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 1 John 5:18 We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps (tereo) him, and the evil one does not touch him. John 17:15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep (tereo) them from the evil one. THE FATHER'S GIFT TO HIS SON - THE DISCIPLES I have manifested (phaneroo made plain/known, brought to light) Your Name (onoma) to the men whom You gave Me out of the world (kosmos) - The visible incarnate Jesus made the invisible God visible to human eyesight by assuming a human body and human limitations. One might say Jesus showed men what the Father was like. In other words, Jesus made the Father fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail His Name. In manifesting the Father's Name Jesus made known the Father's character (which is inherent in the designation "Name"). Jesus is saying that to see and hear Him is to see and hear the Father (See Jn 1:18+ = "He has explained Him"; Jn 14:8–11+; Col 1:15+ = "He [JESUS] is the image of the invisible God," Heb. 1:3+ "He [JESUS] is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His [THE FATHER'S] nature"). How did Jesus manifest the Father's Name? He made Him known primarily through the words He taught, but also undoubted to some degree through the miracles He performed (cf disciples bearing much fruit and thereby glorifying the Father - Jn 15:8).
João 17
Robertson - The only possible way to have unity among believers is for all of them to find unity first with God in Christ. Max Lucado on You, Father, are in Me and I in You - When He walked this earth, Jesus was "translating" God all the time. When God got louder, Jesus got louder. When God gestured, Jesus gestured. He was so in sync with the Father that he could declare, "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (BORROW "Just Like Jesus" chapter entitled "The Translator" PAGE 64) More of Thyself, O show me hour by hour, More of Thy glory, O my God and Lord; More of Thyself, in all Thy grace and power, More of Thy love and truth, incarnate Word! Horatius Bonar, 1808–89 JESUS' PURPOSE FOR UNITY So that (hina - term of purpose) - This introduces the purpose of Jesus' prayer for unity. The purpose of unity is evangelism. -- Bob Utley The world (kosmos) may believe (pisteuo) that You sent (apostello) Me - The world (kosmos) refers to unbelieving, unregenerate men estranged from God, enslaved to sin and the devil and in desperate need of salvation. The disciples supernatural unity would (hopefully) result in sinners being saved by believing the Father sent His Son as the God-Man. See the parallel thought in Jn 17:23+ where "know" parallels "believe" in this passage. Recall that in Jn 17:9 Jesus did "ask on behalf of the world," and here it is clear that He desires for the lost world to believe (1Ti 2:4+, 2Pe 3:9+). Merrill Tenney has an interesting comment on unity - The purpose of this unity is the maintenance of a convincing testimony before the world to the revelation of God in Christ and to his love for the disciples.....The unity is another aspect of eternal life because where there is a common source of life there must be a common likeness of expression (BORROW The Expositor's Bible Commentary PAGE 358) (Bolding added) David
João 17
Robertson addresses the importance of unity in the Body of Christ noting that "Beyond a doubt, strife, wrangling, division are a stumbling block to the outside world." Was Jesus' prayer for unity answered? I think it was answered in the book of Acts. Unity was manifest and the Gospel spread like wildfire through the known world! Even the Greek word homothumadon is evidence that the early church experienced unity in answer to Jesus' prayer to His Father. Homothumadon is from a combination of homos = same + thumos/thymos = temperament or mind) means with one mind, unity of mind, with one purpose, with unanimous consent, of one accord. In a word it means together (Webster says "together" means "in company, in union, in the same place, in the same time, in concert, as the allies made war upon France together.") One lexicon says homothumadon means "to be of one soul." It speaks of an action agreed upon unanimously (with one impulse) or by common consent. Homothumadon was frequently used in secular settings to describe the unanimity of a synod, of creditors, of a husband and wife, of brother (TLNT, Moulton and Milligan) Note that 10 of the 11 NT uses are in the book of Acts - Acts 1:14; Acts 2:46; Acts 4:24; Acts 5:12; Acts 7:57; Acts 8:6; Acts 12:20; Acts 15:25; Acts 18:12; Acts 19:29; Rom. 15:6 Acts 2:46-47+ (BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE "EVANGELISTIC" POWER OF UNITY IN ANSWER TO JESUS' PRAYER = Acts 2:47 = ADDING....THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED!) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Warren