John 17:20

20 And I pray not only for them, but also for them that shall believe into me by the word of them;

John 17:20 Meaning and Commentary

John 17:20

Neither pray I for these alone
Meaning his immediate apostles and disciples, for whose preservation and sanctification he had been particularly praying in ( John 17:19 ) ; and now, that it might not be thought that these were his only favourites, and the only persons he had a regard for, and to whom his intercession and sacrifice were confined; he adds,

but for them also which shall believe in me through their word:
Christ is the object of true faith; which faith is not a mere assent of the mind to any truth concerning Christ, as that he is the Son of God, the Messiah and Saviour of the world; but it is a spiritual sight of him, of the necessity, fitness, and suitableness of him as a Saviour, a going forth unto him, laying hold on him, and depending upon him for life and salvation; of which the preaching of the Gospel is the instrumental means: it is indeed a gift of God, and a fruit of electing grace, and which is secured by it; hence our Lord knew that there would be a number, in all successive generations, that would believe in him, through the ministry of the word; and for these persons, and their conversion, and the success of the Gospel, to the good of their souls, he prays.

John 17:20 In-Context

18 As thou sentest me into the world, also I sent them into the world.

19 And I hallow myself for them, that also they be hallowed in truth.

20 And I pray not only for them, but also for them that shall believe into me by the word of them;

21 that all be one [that all they be one], as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee, that also they in us be one; that the world believe, that thou hast sent me.

22 And I have given to them the clearness, that thou hast given to me, that they be one, as we be one;