John 17

Chap. XVIII. ver. 1.—he went forth] From the guest-chamber, in which He had partaken of the pass-over with His disciples. Abp. Newcome. For further notes on this chapter, see Matt. xxvi. and xxvii.

—the brook Cedron,] The name Cedron signifies dark or black; and the brook is thought to have been thus called, either from its running through a dark shady valley, or from the blackness of its water, caused by its receiving all the drains of the city. Calmet.

—where was a garden,] The garden of Gethsemane. 3.—having received a band] Of Roman soldiers. During the passover feast, the governor of Judas used to station a party of soldiers before the temple to prevent disorder. On this occasion, a portion of these were employed to support Judas. Beausole.

John 17:21

21.—that they also may be one] One in affection, and in co-operation for the advancement of truth and goodness. Abp. Newcome.

Let us here observe, that our Saviour not only prays for His Apostles, but also for all such as should believe in Him, and should receive their preaching. Hence we perceive how dear the faithful are to Christ, and how anxiously He desires to make them partakers of that glory which He now enjoys. Osterwald.

John 17:22

22.—the glory] The power of doing mighty works for the confirmation of their doctrine and the manifestation of Thy glory. Drs. S. Clarke and Whitby.

John 17:23

23.—be made perfect in one:] In one spirit, working in them as it did in Me. Dr. Whitby.

John 17:24

24.—I will that they also, &c.] I desire that all those who have heartily embraced and sincerely obeyed the doctrines I have taught, may be made by Thee partakers of the same happiness with Myself, and exalted to behold the incomprehensible glory with which Thou didst invest Me in Thy eternal love before the foundation of the world. Dr. S. Clarke.

John 17:25

25.—that the love wherewith &c.] That Thou mayest love them as being Thy sons by adoption, so as to make them partakers of an eternal inheritance, Rom. viii. 17; and so as to fill them with Thy Spirit, Gal. iv. 6; and, raising them from the dead, mayest crown them with eternal glory. Dr. Whitby.

Our blessed High Priest fulfilled all righteousness from the beginning to the end of His sacred function, Matt. iii. 15. As Aaron, the first Jewish high priest, was anointed at his consecration, (Exod xxix. 4—7,) so Christ was consecrated to be the world’s High Priest at His baptism, when He was washed in water and anointed with the Holy Spirit descending from heaven, and resting visibly on His head, Ps. xlv. 7; Heb. i. 9; Acts x. 38. And, as the Jewish high priest, on the day of atonement, was required to make annual intercession for himself, for his household, the priests and Levites, and for the whole nation, (Lev. xvi. 17,) so our all-sufi-

the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. # CHAP. XVIII.