John 16:26

I say not (ou legw). "I speak not." Christ did pray for the disciples before his death ( John 14:16 ; John 17:9 John 17:15 John 17:24 ) and he prays also for sinners ( Luke 23:34 ; 1 John 2:1 ). Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus ( John 14:21 John 14:23 ; John 17:23 ; 1 John 4:19 ). Note aitew and erwtaw used in practically the same sense as in verse 16:23 .