John 17:7

7 They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,

John 17:7 Meaning and Commentary

John 17:7

Now they have known
The Syriac version reads it (tedy) , "I have known"; and so the Persic and Gothic versions, contrary to most copies and other versions, which read, as we render, "they have known", that is, the disciples and apostles of Christ:

that all things whatsoever thou hast given me;
all temporal things, the world and the fulness of it; all power in heaven, and in earth, or a power of disposing of all things for his own service, as Mediator; all spiritual things, the covenant of grace, with all its blessings and promises, the Spirit of God, with all his, gifts and graces, a fulness of all grace for his people, yea, eternal life and glory; and everything relating to his mediatorial office and character, power to perform miracles, knowledge and wisdom to preach the Gospel, strength to procure the salvation of his people; every thing to qualify him for the government of church and the judgment of the world:

are of thee;
owing to his good will and pleasure, by his appointment and constitution, as an instance of love to him, and that he might, as man, and Mediator, be honoured, and in all things have the pre-eminence, and all for the good of his chosen ones: now the knowledge of this by his disciples, must greatly confirm the mission of Christ, render him very suitable to them, cause them to entertain a greater esteem for him, lead them into some admiring views of the grace of God, in giving so much into Christ's hands for them, and engage them the more cheerfully to obey his commands.

John 17:7 In-Context

5 And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendor, The very splendor I had in your presence Before there was a world.
6 I spelled out your character in detail To the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; Then you gave them to me, And they have now done what you said.
7 They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, That everything you gave me is firsthand from you,
8 For the message you gave me, I gave them; And they took it, and were convinced That I came from you. They believed that you sent me.
9 I pray for them. I'm not praying for the God-rejecting world But for those you gave me, For they are yours by right.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.