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John 17:3
Verse
Context
Prayer for the Son
2For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him.3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.4I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is life eternal - The salvation purchased by Christ, and given to them who believe, is called life: 1. Because the life of man was forfeited to Divine justice; and the sacrifice of Christ redeemed him from that death to which he was exposed. 2. Because the souls of men were dead in trespasses and sins; and Christ quickens them by his word and Spirit. 3. Because men who are not saved by the grace of Christ do not live, they only exist, no good purpose of life being answered by them. But when they receive this salvation they live - answer all the Divine purposes, are happy in themselves, useful to each other, and bring glory to God. 4. It is called eternal life to show that it reaches beyond the limits of time, and that it necessarily implies - 1. The immortality of the soul; 2. the resurrection of the body; and 3. that it is never to end, hence called αιωνιος ζωη, a life ever living; from αει, always, and ων, being or existence. And indeed no words can more forcibly convey the idea of eternity than these. It is called ἡ αιωνιος ζωη, That eternal life, by way of eminence. There may be an eternal existence without blessedness; but this is that eternal life with which infinite happiness is inseparably connected. The only true God - The way to attain this eternal life is to acknowledge, worship, and obey, the one only true God, and to accept as teacher, sacrifice, and Savior, the Lord Jesus, the one and only true Messiah. Bishop Pearce's remark here is well worthy the reader's attention: - "What is said here of the only true God seems said in opposition to the gods whom the heathens worshipped; not in opposition to Jesus Christ himself, who is called the true God by John, in Jo1 5:20." The words in this verse have been variously translated: 1. That they might acknowledge thee, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent, to be the only true God. 2. That they might acknowledge thee, the only true God, and Jesus, whom thou hast sent, to be the Christ or Messiah. 3. That they might acknowledge thee to be the only true God, and Jesus Christ to be him whom thou hast sent. And all these translations the original will bear. From all this we learn that the only way in which eternal life is to be attained is by acknowledging the true God, and the Divine mission of Jesus Christ, he being sent of God to redeem men by his blood, being the author of eternal salvation to all them that thus believe, and conscientiously keep his commandments. A saying similar to this is found in the Institutes of Menu. Brigoo, the first emanated being who was produced from the mind of the supreme God, and who revealed the knowledge of his will to mankind, is represented as addressing the human race and saying: "Of all duties, the principal is to acquire from the Upanishads (their sacred writings) a true knowledge of one supreme God; that is the most exalted of sciences, because it ensures eternal life. For in the knowledge and adoration of one God all the rules of good conduct are fully comprised." See Institutes of Menu, chap. xii. Inst. 85, 87.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this is--that. life eternal, that they might--may. know, &c.--This life eternal, then, is not mere conscious and unending existence, but a life of acquaintance with God in Christ (Job 22:21). thee, the only true God--the sole personal living God; in glorious contrast equally with heathen polytheism, philosophic naturalism, and mystic pantheism. and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent--This is the only place where our Lord gives Himself this compound name, afterwards so current in apostolic preaching and writing. Here the terms are used in their strict signification--"JESUS," because He "saves His people from their sins"; "CHRIST," as anointed with the measureless fulness of the Holy Ghost for the exercise of His saving offices (see on Mat 1:16); "WHOM THOU HAST SENT," in the plenitude of Divine Authority and Power, to save. "The very juxtaposition here of Jesus Christ with the Father is a proof, by implication, of our Lord's Godhead. The knowledge of God and a creature could not be eternal life, and such an association of the one with the other would be inconceivable" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this is life eternal,.... That is, the beginning and pledge of it, the way unto it, and means of it, and what will certainly issue in it: that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. The knowledge of God here spoken of, is not the knowledge of him by the light of nature, and works of creation; for a man may know God in this sense, and not know him in Christ, nor anything of Christ; yea, may know God and profess him in words, and in works deny him, as the Heathens did; nor is eternal life known hereby, nor connected with it: nor is it such a knowledge of God as is to be obtained by the law of Moses, in which God is represented as a righteous and incensed Being; nor is there in it any discovery of God, as a God of love, grace, and mercy in Christ; nor any revelation of a Mediator, Saviour and Redeemer; nor can it either show, or give to persons eternal life; and yet what is here said of the knowledge of God and Christ, the Jews say of the law (d), "one man said to his friend, let us dash them against that wall and kill them, because they have left , "eternal life"; (the gloss upon it is, "the law";) and employ themselves in a temporary life, the gloss says of this world, which is merchandise.'' More truly does Philo the Jew say (e), that "fleeing to the Divine Being, "is eternal life"; and running front him is death.'' But this is to be understood of an evangelic knowledge of God, as the God and Father of Christ, as the God of all grace, pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin, and of Christ Mediator; not a general, notional, and speculative knowledge; but a practical and experimental one; a knowledge of approbation and appropriation; a fiducial one, whereby a soul believes in Christ, and trusts in his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice for salvation; and which, though imperfect, is progressive. The Arians and Unitarians urge this text, against the true and proper deity of our Lord Jesus, and his equality with the Father, but without success; since the Father is called the only true God, in opposition to the many false gods of the Heathens, but not to the exclusion of the Son or Spirit; for Christ is also styled the one Lord, and only Lord God, but not to the exclusion of the Father; yea the true God and eternal life; was he not, he would never, as here, join himself with the only true God; and besides, eternal life is made to depend as much upon the knowledge of him, as of the Father. The reason of this different mode of expression, is owing to the character of Christ as Mediator, who is said to be sent by the only true God, about the business of man's salvation. Nor is it of any moment what the Jew (f) objects, that Jesus here confesses, that the true God is only one God; nor does he call himself God, only the Messiah sent by God; and that the Apostle Paul also asserts the unity of God, Ti1 1:17; and therefore Jesus cannot be God: for Christ and his Father, the only true God, are one; and that he is the one true God with his Father, he tacitly suggests here by joining himself with him; and what the Apostle Paul says of the one and only wise God, may as well be understood of Christ, the Son of God, as of the Father; since all the characters in the text agree with him, and of him he had been speaking in the context. (d) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 21. 1. (e) De profugis, p. 461. (f) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 55. p. 445.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:3 to know you: The Hebrew idea of knowing encompassed experience and intimacy, which for Christians means love for God and obedience to him. • sent to earth: Jesus originated in heaven and was returning there (17:5), so he exercises divine authority as the agent of God.
John 17:3
Prayer for the Son
2For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him.3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.4I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Biographies) George Mueller
By John Piper5.2K1:15:32PSA 34:8PSA 119:11PSA 119:16PSA 119:105JHN 17:3PHP 3:101TI 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of memorizing extended passages of Scripture as a means of meditating on God's Word. He highlights the life of George Mueller, who sought to glorify God by caring for orphans and trusting in His provision. The speaker encourages listeners to "see God" and find satisfaction in Him, which will lead to freedom from greed and fear and a willingness to take risks and sacrificially love others. He concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of knowing God through the Bible and fighting for joy in Him.
"We Don't Know God!"
By Leonard Ravenhill4.9K08:12PSA 85:6JER 9:23JHN 17:3ACT 4:31JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals and the powerful presence of God that transformed lives, contrasting it with the lack of spiritual fervor and depth in modern times. The message calls for a return to fervent prayer, deep intimacy with God, and a hunger for revival that can set hearts on fire for God.
Lost Dimension in Christian Living
By Leonard Ravenhill4.2K1:04:17Christian LivingPSA 84:11MAL 4:2MAT 6:33LUK 7:36JHN 1:6JHN 14:6JHN 17:3In this sermon, the preacher challenges the audience to reflect on their personal relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and the cost it may require, such as revising one's social calendar. The preacher also discusses the need for discipline in the Christian life, citing examples of early Christian leaders who had strict devotional practices. He distinguishes between praise and worship, stating that praise is the prelude to true worship. The preacher also highlights the danger of relying on entertainment as a substitute for joy, and encourages the audience to find joy in Jesus, who offers his joy to his disciples.
Become Transparent Through Conviction
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K26:38ConvictionJHN 17:3ROM 6:17ROM 6:22HEB 10:38HEB 13:52PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke to bring about a transformation in our hearts. The preacher also discusses the dangers of false revivals that focus on signs and wonders rather than the true message of the Gospel. He encourages believers to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus and to continually strive to know Him better. The sermon references the Apostle Paul's attitude of forgetting the past and pressing forward towards Christ, as well as the story of David's realization of his own corruption and need for deliverance.
The Passion (Full Version)
By Compilations2.0K12:07PSA 51:10MAT 16:24JHN 17:32CO 5:17GAL 2:202TI 4:3HEB 12:1JAS 1:221PE 1:15REV 3:16This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ, challenging believers to move beyond a superficial faith and embrace a life of true discipleship. It calls for a return to genuine worship, repentance, and a deep relationship with God, rejecting shallow teachings and self-centered Christianity. The message urges believers to run from churches and leaders that prioritize personal gain, lack true repentance, and do not preach the full Gospel, encouraging a pursuit of holiness and a passionate, sacrificial commitment to Christ.
(Come Up Higher) the Place of Power
By Zac Poonen1.9K54:35MAT 11:25JHN 17:3EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly understanding and internalizing the word of God. He compares studying the Bible to studying subjects like mathematics or chemistry, stating that simply memorizing and regurgitating information does not lead to true understanding or life transformation. The speaker highlights the need for the message of the Bible to penetrate the heart, not just the mind, in order to bring about lasting change. He also encourages listeners to pray for the enlightenment of the eyes of their hearts, referencing the Apostle Paul's teaching to the Ephesians. The sermon concludes with a powerful analogy of how believers becoming children of God makes Him rich in a way that material possessions cannot.
Vanity, Vanity
By Chuck Smith1.7K37:47VanityPSA 107:9ECC 3:11MAT 11:28MRK 5:34JHN 7:38JHN 17:3ROM 8:20In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the search for meaning and purpose. He emphasizes that one generation passes and another comes, and that life seems to move in repetitive cycles. The speaker acknowledges the frustration of seeking satisfaction and purpose through material possessions, as they ultimately prove empty and fleeting. He then points to Jesus as the source of true rest, peace, and satisfaction, inviting listeners to come to Him for a deeper understanding of life's meaning and purpose.
Grace for Knowing God
By Bob Hoekstra1.7K1:02:47JHN 6:57JHN 14:10JHN 17:3GAL 2:20GAL 6:15EPH 1:7EPH 2:13PHP 3:8COL 1:272PE 1:22PE 3:18This sermon focuses on the theme of Grace for Knowing God, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep relationship with God through His grace. It highlights the concept of being in Christ and Christ being in us, leading to a transformative life lived by faith in the Son of God. The sermon encourages believers to seek a multiplied abundance of grace and peace through growing in the knowledge and intimacy of God and Jesus our Lord.
At His Feet
By Erlo Stegen1.6K46:49Relationship With ChristMAT 2:2MAT 2:8MAT 2:12MAT 2:16MAT 2:23JHN 17:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing one's personal testimony of how they became a Christian. He expresses concern that many Christians cannot articulate why and how they came to faith. The speaker references the story of the wise men who recognized their need for the Savior and left everything at Jesus' feet. He also highlights the significance of being connected to God and having a personal relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who have not yet come to know the Lord Jesus.
Gift of Eternal Life
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K19:51Eternal LifeJHN 1:13JHN 17:1JHN 17:3ROM 6:232CO 1:20EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the threefold work of God in salvation, which is described in the teachings of the apostle Paul. He explains that salvation is a process that occurs in three different tenses: past, present, and future. The preacher emphasizes that the ultimate goal of salvation is for believers to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. He also highlights the concept of eternal life as a gift from God to sinful humanity, as described in the book of John.
Destination Christlikeness
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:09:21PSA 139:13JHN 17:3ROM 6:22ROM 8:281PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's specific calling for each individual in the body of Christ. It highlights the need to focus on becoming more like Jesus rather than seeking worldly success or recognition. The speaker encourages humility, balance in ministry, and the pursuit of holiness as the ultimate goal, with a reminder that God's definition of 'good' in Romans 8:28 is conforming us to the image of Christ.
The Three Prayers (Part 2)
By Ron Bailey1.3K59:48Prayer ExampleGEN 2:21PSA 119:130JHN 17:3JHN 17:8TIT 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions. He explains that the word "so that" or "in order that" signifies two ideas in a sentence, with the second idea giving the reason or motivation for the first. The speaker uses the example of a destiny that has not gone as intended, resulting in less visible traces. He also highlights the distinction between having fellowship with an animal versus having fellowship with God. The sermon concludes with a mention of the three prayers of Jesus and the significance of understanding who Jesus is and the impact of his actions.
How Our Joy Can Be Full - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:00JHN 17:31JN 1:11JN 1:51JN 2:151JN 4:71JN 5:41JN 5:20This sermon focuses on the significance of the first letter of John in the New Testament, emphasizing its importance due to being written by John at the age of 95 after years of observing various churches and believers. Despite the prevalent confusion in Christendom, John's message remains relevant, highlighting the deep truths of life and fellowship with God. He stresses the eternal life found in Jesus Christ and warns against idolatry, urging believers to guard themselves from worshiping anything other than the true God.
Knowing God and Jesus Christ (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.2K59:19HAG 2:11JHN 15:5JHN 16:7JHN 17:3ROM 12:51CO 12:131CO 15:33EPH 5:181TI 6:12JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the true meaning of eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ, not just living forever. It highlights the importance of continually laying hold of eternal life, as seen in the exhortation to Timothy to 'take hold of eternal life.' The message stresses the need to choose to pursue eternal life over worldly pursuits and the significance of knowing God deeply to experience spiritual growth and transformation.
02 New Wine in New Wineskins Life and Fellowship
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:00:36PSA 37:25DAN 4:29MAT 22:37LUK 5:15JHN 7:40JHN 17:3JHN 17:15ROM 5:9PHP 4:41JN 1:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life modeled after Jesus, focusing on the divine life and fellowship that comes from being saved by His life. It highlights the need to seek the life of Jesus, characterized by holiness, humility, and love, rather than being swayed by worldly achievements or doctrines. The speaker urges listeners to pursue a deep longing for the life of Jesus, leading to true fellowship and unity in the body of Christ.
A Man of God - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill1.1K09:36PRO 22:6JER 6:16JHN 17:3ACT 2:1JAS 5:16This sermon reflects on historical events and individuals who were deeply impacted by encounters with God and the power of revival. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally, the significance of prayer and seeking the old paths of faith, and the transformative impact of genuine encounters with the Holy Spirit. The narrative highlights the need for a revival of spiritual fervor and dedication to God's Word in today's society.
The True God
By Brian Brodersen1.1K37:04ISA 7:14JER 31:3JHN 3:16JHN 5:18JHN 14:9JHN 17:3COL 1:15HEB 1:31JN 5:20This sermon delves into the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing how Jesus clarified misunderstandings about God, demonstrated God's mercy, grace, compassion, and love, and revealed the triune nature of God. It highlights the importance of knowing God personally through Jesus for eternal life and the necessity of acknowledging God's holiness. The message invites individuals to receive Christ for a personal relationship with the true and living God.
Living Like Christ Lived (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:10PRO 3:5JHN 16:14JHN 17:3JHN 21:25ROM 5:101CO 13:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:15HEB 5:12JUD 1:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a focus solely on Christ's death on the cross to also understanding and embodying His life on earth. It highlights the need to be led by the Holy Spirit to live a Christ-like life, showing love, humility, and patience in all situations. The speaker encourages believers to grow beyond being spiritual babies, to be mature and loving individuals who reflect Jesus in their daily interactions.
Knowing God Through Brokenness
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:07:36JOB 40:4ISA 53:3JER 9:23MAT 8:17JHN 17:32CO 4:16PHP 3:81TI 6:12JAS 5:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and experiencing eternal life as defined by Jesus in John 17. It highlights that eternal life is not just living forever but knowing God intimately, being broken to know Him better, and laying hold of eternal life by fighting the good fight to deepen our relationship with God.
The Beloved
By Randy Jones1.1K44:28BelovedMAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 7:23LUK 6:46JHN 14:9JHN 17:3COL 1:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of staying focused on Jesus and not getting distracted by religious rituals or the enemy's tactics. He emphasizes the need to know and be conformed to Jesus, desiring to look like His son when standing before God. The speaker shares personal experiences of struggling with spiritual growth and settling for religion instead of pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus. He encourages the audience to preach Jesus and trust in His power, as signs and miracles will follow those who are focused on Him. The sermon concludes with the assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God, even in the face of tribulation and distress.
Road to Reality - the Most Important Thing in Life Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.1K24:57Road To RealityMAT 6:33MAT 19:21MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 14:25JHN 17:3ACT 20:24In this sermon, Brother K. P. Johannon shares his personal journey of serving God for over four decades. He recounts how he left his home at a young age to serve God and faced suffering and persecution along the way. After many years of ministry, he realized that he had become disconnected from the pain and lostness of the world. His board members encouraged him to take a vacation, which he initially saw as a punishment, but ultimately embraced. The sermon challenges listeners to consider what they need to walk away from in order to fully follow Jesus, using the examples of the apostles who left everything to follow Him and the rich young ruler who was unwilling to do so.
Being Like Our Heavenly Father (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.1K57:20ISA 1:18MAT 5:44JHN 8:1JHN 17:3ROM 2:4ROM 15:51CO 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and Jesus Christ, defining eternal life as a deep relationship with them. It highlights the need for believers to grow spiritually by living closely with God, just like a wife grows to know her husband over time. The message challenges believers to move from being spiritual babies to mature sons and daughters by encouraging and supporting one another in love, reflecting God's character of mercy, compassion, and encouragement.
The House Group Movement in Uk
By George Verwer95141:57Home ChurchEXO 33:18MAT 5:23JHN 11:40JHN 12:27JHN 17:3JHN 17:17In this sermon, Neil Porter discusses the theme of the glory of God. He references verses from the Bible, such as Moses asking to see God's glory and Jesus expressing his troubled soul and desire for the Father's glory. Neil emphasizes the importance of keeping the glory of God in mind in all aspects of life. He also mentions a conversation with a foreman who realizes the significance of being truthful and not trying to counterfeit God's glory. The sermon concludes with a mention of a conference where various meetings and discussions took place, including a focus on the Ethiopian food crisis and a powerful testimony given by Patrick Johnson.
Discarding Rubbish and Gaining Christ
By Zac Poonen9331:06:09LUK 16:15JHN 17:3ROM 8:16PHP 1:23PHP 3:8PHP 3:10COL 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking to know Christ deeply and fully, comparing the attitudes of minimum Christians who do the least for God and maximum Christians who seek to do the most for Him. It challenges listeners to evaluate their values, seeing everything the world offers as rubbish compared to Christ, and to live wholeheartedly for Him, like Paul did, seeking to know Him better each day.
Plain Talk to My Generation
By Henry Mahan85527:20MAT 19:16JHN 17:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of plain preaching to his generation. He emphasizes that no man has the ability to obey the commandments and please God. The preacher also highlights the importance of facing the matter of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and confessing Him as Lord and Master. He cautions against equating America, patriotism, and democracy with Christianity, stating that they are not synonymous and that America is not the kingdom of God. The preacher urges the audience to recognize their sinfulness before God and to listen attentively to his message.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is life eternal - The salvation purchased by Christ, and given to them who believe, is called life: 1. Because the life of man was forfeited to Divine justice; and the sacrifice of Christ redeemed him from that death to which he was exposed. 2. Because the souls of men were dead in trespasses and sins; and Christ quickens them by his word and Spirit. 3. Because men who are not saved by the grace of Christ do not live, they only exist, no good purpose of life being answered by them. But when they receive this salvation they live - answer all the Divine purposes, are happy in themselves, useful to each other, and bring glory to God. 4. It is called eternal life to show that it reaches beyond the limits of time, and that it necessarily implies - 1. The immortality of the soul; 2. the resurrection of the body; and 3. that it is never to end, hence called αιωνιος ζωη, a life ever living; from αει, always, and ων, being or existence. And indeed no words can more forcibly convey the idea of eternity than these. It is called ἡ αιωνιος ζωη, That eternal life, by way of eminence. There may be an eternal existence without blessedness; but this is that eternal life with which infinite happiness is inseparably connected. The only true God - The way to attain this eternal life is to acknowledge, worship, and obey, the one only true God, and to accept as teacher, sacrifice, and Savior, the Lord Jesus, the one and only true Messiah. Bishop Pearce's remark here is well worthy the reader's attention: - "What is said here of the only true God seems said in opposition to the gods whom the heathens worshipped; not in opposition to Jesus Christ himself, who is called the true God by John, in Jo1 5:20." The words in this verse have been variously translated: 1. That they might acknowledge thee, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent, to be the only true God. 2. That they might acknowledge thee, the only true God, and Jesus, whom thou hast sent, to be the Christ or Messiah. 3. That they might acknowledge thee to be the only true God, and Jesus Christ to be him whom thou hast sent. And all these translations the original will bear. From all this we learn that the only way in which eternal life is to be attained is by acknowledging the true God, and the Divine mission of Jesus Christ, he being sent of God to redeem men by his blood, being the author of eternal salvation to all them that thus believe, and conscientiously keep his commandments. A saying similar to this is found in the Institutes of Menu. Brigoo, the first emanated being who was produced from the mind of the supreme God, and who revealed the knowledge of his will to mankind, is represented as addressing the human race and saying: "Of all duties, the principal is to acquire from the Upanishads (their sacred writings) a true knowledge of one supreme God; that is the most exalted of sciences, because it ensures eternal life. For in the knowledge and adoration of one God all the rules of good conduct are fully comprised." See Institutes of Menu, chap. xii. Inst. 85, 87.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this is--that. life eternal, that they might--may. know, &c.--This life eternal, then, is not mere conscious and unending existence, but a life of acquaintance with God in Christ (Job 22:21). thee, the only true God--the sole personal living God; in glorious contrast equally with heathen polytheism, philosophic naturalism, and mystic pantheism. and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent--This is the only place where our Lord gives Himself this compound name, afterwards so current in apostolic preaching and writing. Here the terms are used in their strict signification--"JESUS," because He "saves His people from their sins"; "CHRIST," as anointed with the measureless fulness of the Holy Ghost for the exercise of His saving offices (see on Mat 1:16); "WHOM THOU HAST SENT," in the plenitude of Divine Authority and Power, to save. "The very juxtaposition here of Jesus Christ with the Father is a proof, by implication, of our Lord's Godhead. The knowledge of God and a creature could not be eternal life, and such an association of the one with the other would be inconceivable" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this is life eternal,.... That is, the beginning and pledge of it, the way unto it, and means of it, and what will certainly issue in it: that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. The knowledge of God here spoken of, is not the knowledge of him by the light of nature, and works of creation; for a man may know God in this sense, and not know him in Christ, nor anything of Christ; yea, may know God and profess him in words, and in works deny him, as the Heathens did; nor is eternal life known hereby, nor connected with it: nor is it such a knowledge of God as is to be obtained by the law of Moses, in which God is represented as a righteous and incensed Being; nor is there in it any discovery of God, as a God of love, grace, and mercy in Christ; nor any revelation of a Mediator, Saviour and Redeemer; nor can it either show, or give to persons eternal life; and yet what is here said of the knowledge of God and Christ, the Jews say of the law (d), "one man said to his friend, let us dash them against that wall and kill them, because they have left , "eternal life"; (the gloss upon it is, "the law";) and employ themselves in a temporary life, the gloss says of this world, which is merchandise.'' More truly does Philo the Jew say (e), that "fleeing to the Divine Being, "is eternal life"; and running front him is death.'' But this is to be understood of an evangelic knowledge of God, as the God and Father of Christ, as the God of all grace, pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin, and of Christ Mediator; not a general, notional, and speculative knowledge; but a practical and experimental one; a knowledge of approbation and appropriation; a fiducial one, whereby a soul believes in Christ, and trusts in his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice for salvation; and which, though imperfect, is progressive. The Arians and Unitarians urge this text, against the true and proper deity of our Lord Jesus, and his equality with the Father, but without success; since the Father is called the only true God, in opposition to the many false gods of the Heathens, but not to the exclusion of the Son or Spirit; for Christ is also styled the one Lord, and only Lord God, but not to the exclusion of the Father; yea the true God and eternal life; was he not, he would never, as here, join himself with the only true God; and besides, eternal life is made to depend as much upon the knowledge of him, as of the Father. The reason of this different mode of expression, is owing to the character of Christ as Mediator, who is said to be sent by the only true God, about the business of man's salvation. Nor is it of any moment what the Jew (f) objects, that Jesus here confesses, that the true God is only one God; nor does he call himself God, only the Messiah sent by God; and that the Apostle Paul also asserts the unity of God, Ti1 1:17; and therefore Jesus cannot be God: for Christ and his Father, the only true God, are one; and that he is the one true God with his Father, he tacitly suggests here by joining himself with him; and what the Apostle Paul says of the one and only wise God, may as well be understood of Christ, the Son of God, as of the Father; since all the characters in the text agree with him, and of him he had been speaking in the context. (d) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 21. 1. (e) De profugis, p. 461. (f) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 55. p. 445.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:3 to know you: The Hebrew idea of knowing encompassed experience and intimacy, which for Christians means love for God and obedience to him. • sent to earth: Jesus originated in heaven and was returning there (17:5), so he exercises divine authority as the agent of God.