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John 17:12
Verse
Context
Prayer for the Disciples
11I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.12While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I kept them in thy name - In thy doctrine and truth. But the son of perdition - So we find that Judas, whom all account to have been lost, and whose case at best is extremely dubious, was first given by God to Christ? But why was he lost? Because, says St. Augustin, he would not be saved: and he farther adds, After the commission of his crime, he might have returned to God and have found mercy. Aug. Serm. 125; n. 5; Psa 146:1-10. n. 20; Ser. 352, n. 8; and in Psa 108:1-13. See Calmet, who remarks: Judas only became the son of perdition because of his wilful malice, his abuse of the grace and instructions of Christ, and was condemned through his own avarice, perfidy, insensibility, and despair. In behalf of the mere possibility of the salvation of Judas, see the observations at the end of Acts 1 (note). Perdition or destruction is personified; and Judas is represented as being her son, i.e. one of the worst of men - one whose crime appears to have been an attempt to destroy, not only the Savior of the world, but also the whole human race. And all this he was capable of through the love of money! How many of those who are termed creditable persons in the world have acted his crime over a thousand times! To Judas and to all his brethren, who sell God and their souls for money, and who frequently go out of this world by a violent voluntary death, we may apply those burning words of Mr. Blair, with very little alteration: "O cursed lust of gold! when for thy sake The wretch throws up his interest in both worlds, First hanged in this, then damned in that to come." That the scripture might be fulfilled - Or, Thus the scripture is fulfilled: see Psa 41:9; Psa 109:8; compared with Act 1:20. Thus the traitorous conduct of Judas has been represented and illustrated by that of Ahitophel, and the rebellion of Absalom against his father David. Thus what was spoken concerning them was also fulfilled in Judas: to him therefore these scriptures are properly applied, though they were originally spoken concerning other traitors. Hence we plainly see that the treachery of Judas was not the effect of the prediction, for that related to a different case; but, as his was of the same nature with that of the others, to it the same scriptures were applicable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I kept--guarded. them in thy name--acting as Thy Representative on earth. none of them is lost, but the son of perdition--It is not implied here that the son of perdition was one of those whom the Father had given to the Son, but rather the contrary (Joh 13:18) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is just as in Luk 4:26-27, where we are not to suppose that the woman of Sarepta (in Sidon) was one of the widows of Israel, nor Naaman the Syrian one of the lepers in Israel, though the language--the same as here--might seem to express it. son of perdition--doomed to it (Th2 2:3; Mar 14:21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
While I was with them in the world,.... This does not imply that Christ was not in the world now, for he was; but signifies that he was just going out of it; and that his continuance in it was very short: nor that he was, and would be no longer with his disciples; for this is to be understood of his bodily, not of his spiritual presence; in which respect Christ is with his people whilst they are on earth, and they are with him when he is in heaven: I kept them in thy name; by his Father's authority and power, in his doctrine: those that thou gavest me I have kept; that is, those that were given him to be his apostles; and none of them is lost; these he kept close to himself, and from the evil of the world, and from temporal and eternal ruin: but the son of perdition; Judas, a child of Satan, whose name is Apollyon the destroyer, who was now about to betray his Lord and master; and was one that was appointed to eternal ruin and destruction, of which he was justly deserving; and which is no instance of the apostasy of saints, since though he was given to Christ as an apostle, yet not in eternal election, to be saved by him: that the Scripture might be fulfilled; this respects either Christ's keeping of his people, and their final perseverance, whereby the Scriptures that speak of it are fulfilled; or rather the destruction of Judas, whereby such passages as speak of that, have their accomplishment, particularly Psa 109:8; Some have thought that this only refers to the general sense of the Scriptures, both the law and prophets; that some are chosen to everlasting life, and others are appointed to wrath; that some are saved, and others lost; some sons of God, and others sons of perdition; but it rather seems to regard some particular passage or passages of Scripture relating to Judas, his character, condition and end, and which are very manifestly pointed at, in the psalm referred to; "As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy number.'' (2 Esdras 2:26)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:12-13 Until now, Jesus had guarded his followers. Now he was concerned for their strength and survival in his absence, because the world would be hostile toward them (15:18-27) and their mission of challenging the world by heralding the truth (16:8-11). After Jesus’ departure, the Spirit would protect them (15:26) and bring them joy.
John 17:12
Prayer for the Disciples
11I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.12While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Lord Is Thy Keeper
By David Wilkerson4.1K54:28PSA 121:8JHN 17:12JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the sinfulness of sin in order to comprehend the loving nature of God and His grace. He uses the example of David, a man after God's own heart, who cried out to be delivered from his deceitful heart. The preacher highlights the distress and pain that comes from recognizing the enemy within, rather than the external battles. He also mentions that trials and suffering are tests of faith and opportunities to glorify God, and that overcoming Christians do experience suffering. The sermon encourages believers to rejoice in the midst of trials and trust in God's plan for the future.
The Lord's Prayer - Part 3
By David Adams85240:03MAT 6:33JHN 17:12JHN 17:22In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the stewardship of Jesus and how it relates to our own lives. He emphasizes the importance of passing on God's will and words to others, just as Jesus did with his disciples. The speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their own stewardship, whether it be as Sunday school teachers, elders, or in other roles entrusted to them. He highlights the significance of finishing the work that God has given us to do and glorifying Him in the process. The sermon also touches on the concept of the transferable glory mentioned in verse 22 and the mission of sending believers into the world, as stated in verse 18. The speaker concludes by reminding the audience of the importance of declaring God's name and seeking wisdom in our journey of stewardship.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Of the Part Which the Father Takes in the Covenant.
By John Gill0The Role of the Father in SalvationCovenant TheologyISA 49:6JER 31:34JHN 10:28JHN 17:12ROM 8:32CO 5:18EPH 1:4TIT 1:2HEB 10:5HEB 13:20John Gill expounds on the role of God the Father in the covenant of grace, emphasizing that He initiates and prescribes the terms of the covenant, including the sending of Christ as the mediator. The Father not only proposes the work of redemption but also ensures the safety and preservation of the elect, promising them salvation through Christ's obedience and sacrifice. Gill highlights the Father's authority in the covenant, detailing the responsibilities assigned to Christ, including His incarnation, obedience to the law, and atonement for sin. The sermon underscores the promises made to both Christ and the elect, illustrating the depth of God's commitment to His covenant people. Ultimately, Gill affirms that the covenant secures eternal life and grace for those chosen by God.
Knowledge of Christ After the Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's UniquenessLiving in the WorldJHN 15:19JHN 17:12ROM 12:21CO 5:92CO 5:17GAL 6:15EPH 4:15PHP 2:5COL 3:101JN 4:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ as the Son of Man, who embodies the divine intention for a new creation, perfectly balancing his kinship with humanity while remaining distinct from it. He challenges believers to live in the world without being of it, advocating for a life that reflects Christ's understanding, sympathy, and balance in interactions with others. Sparks highlights the importance of being conformed to Christ's image, which requires a reconstitution of our lives through the Holy Spirit, leading to a harmonious existence that embodies both truth and love. He warns against the dangers of alienating others through a misguided sense of holiness and calls for a church that reflects Christ's character and balance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Christ's headship and the transformative power of the Spirit in creating a new community that expresses the essence of Christ.
Epistle 56
By George Fox0ISA 7:14ISA 8:7LUK 15:8JHN 17:12ACT 7:52ROM 12:2EPH 2:2PHP 3:18COL 3:2COL 3:10JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about the importance of heeding the light of Christ within, which calls our minds away from worldly lusts and evil desires, and towards God for renewal and worship. Those who reject this light are enemies of Christ, influenced by the devil, and betrayers of the just. By focusing on the pure light of God, our minds are turned away from earthly affections and towards heavenly wisdom, leading to eternal life and peace.
The Soul's Malady and Cure
By Thomas Watson0PSA 147:3ISA 53:4ISA 55:1MAT 9:12LUK 4:18LUK 5:31JHN 17:121TI 1:15HEB 7:251JN 1:7Thomas Watson preaches about the compassionate and skilled Physician, Jesus Christ, who is willing and able to heal sin-sick souls. He emphasizes that Christ came to save sinners, not the righteous, and uses the analogy of Levi's call to follow Jesus to illustrate the immediate response required to follow Christ without hesitation. Watson explains that sin is a soul disease that corrupts every part of the soul, likening it to sickness spreading throughout the body. He highlights the need for humility, fear of sin, and surrender to Christ as the ultimate Healer of our spiritual diseases.
Judas Iscariot: A Study in Character
By Joseph Parker0MAT 12:32MAT 26:14MAT 26:24MAT 27:3JHN 6:70JHN 12:6JHN 17:12JHN 18:8ACT 1:25Joseph Parker preaches about the character of Judas Iscariot, challenging the congregation to reflect on the possibility of harboring monstrous and vile traits within themselves. He delves into the complexity of Judas' nature, emphasizing that even the most intellectual and influential individuals can fall into betrayal. Parker urges self-reflection, warning against the dangers of intellectual sagacity without spiritual grounding, highlighting the importance of humility, prayer, and closeness to God in leadership roles within the church.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I kept them in thy name - In thy doctrine and truth. But the son of perdition - So we find that Judas, whom all account to have been lost, and whose case at best is extremely dubious, was first given by God to Christ? But why was he lost? Because, says St. Augustin, he would not be saved: and he farther adds, After the commission of his crime, he might have returned to God and have found mercy. Aug. Serm. 125; n. 5; Psa 146:1-10. n. 20; Ser. 352, n. 8; and in Psa 108:1-13. See Calmet, who remarks: Judas only became the son of perdition because of his wilful malice, his abuse of the grace and instructions of Christ, and was condemned through his own avarice, perfidy, insensibility, and despair. In behalf of the mere possibility of the salvation of Judas, see the observations at the end of Acts 1 (note). Perdition or destruction is personified; and Judas is represented as being her son, i.e. one of the worst of men - one whose crime appears to have been an attempt to destroy, not only the Savior of the world, but also the whole human race. And all this he was capable of through the love of money! How many of those who are termed creditable persons in the world have acted his crime over a thousand times! To Judas and to all his brethren, who sell God and their souls for money, and who frequently go out of this world by a violent voluntary death, we may apply those burning words of Mr. Blair, with very little alteration: "O cursed lust of gold! when for thy sake The wretch throws up his interest in both worlds, First hanged in this, then damned in that to come." That the scripture might be fulfilled - Or, Thus the scripture is fulfilled: see Psa 41:9; Psa 109:8; compared with Act 1:20. Thus the traitorous conduct of Judas has been represented and illustrated by that of Ahitophel, and the rebellion of Absalom against his father David. Thus what was spoken concerning them was also fulfilled in Judas: to him therefore these scriptures are properly applied, though they were originally spoken concerning other traitors. Hence we plainly see that the treachery of Judas was not the effect of the prediction, for that related to a different case; but, as his was of the same nature with that of the others, to it the same scriptures were applicable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I kept--guarded. them in thy name--acting as Thy Representative on earth. none of them is lost, but the son of perdition--It is not implied here that the son of perdition was one of those whom the Father had given to the Son, but rather the contrary (Joh 13:18) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is just as in Luk 4:26-27, where we are not to suppose that the woman of Sarepta (in Sidon) was one of the widows of Israel, nor Naaman the Syrian one of the lepers in Israel, though the language--the same as here--might seem to express it. son of perdition--doomed to it (Th2 2:3; Mar 14:21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
While I was with them in the world,.... This does not imply that Christ was not in the world now, for he was; but signifies that he was just going out of it; and that his continuance in it was very short: nor that he was, and would be no longer with his disciples; for this is to be understood of his bodily, not of his spiritual presence; in which respect Christ is with his people whilst they are on earth, and they are with him when he is in heaven: I kept them in thy name; by his Father's authority and power, in his doctrine: those that thou gavest me I have kept; that is, those that were given him to be his apostles; and none of them is lost; these he kept close to himself, and from the evil of the world, and from temporal and eternal ruin: but the son of perdition; Judas, a child of Satan, whose name is Apollyon the destroyer, who was now about to betray his Lord and master; and was one that was appointed to eternal ruin and destruction, of which he was justly deserving; and which is no instance of the apostasy of saints, since though he was given to Christ as an apostle, yet not in eternal election, to be saved by him: that the Scripture might be fulfilled; this respects either Christ's keeping of his people, and their final perseverance, whereby the Scriptures that speak of it are fulfilled; or rather the destruction of Judas, whereby such passages as speak of that, have their accomplishment, particularly Psa 109:8; Some have thought that this only refers to the general sense of the Scriptures, both the law and prophets; that some are chosen to everlasting life, and others are appointed to wrath; that some are saved, and others lost; some sons of God, and others sons of perdition; but it rather seems to regard some particular passage or passages of Scripture relating to Judas, his character, condition and end, and which are very manifestly pointed at, in the psalm referred to; "As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy number.'' (2 Esdras 2:26)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:12-13 Until now, Jesus had guarded his followers. Now he was concerned for their strength and survival in his absence, because the world would be hostile toward them (15:18-27) and their mission of challenging the world by heralding the truth (16:8-11). After Jesus’ departure, the Spirit would protect them (15:26) and bring them joy.