They are not of the world
This phrase highlights the distinction between Jesus' followers and the secular world. In biblical context, "the world" often refers to the system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God. This separation is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Romans 12:2, where believers are urged not to conform to the patterns of this world. Historically, early Christians faced persecution for their countercultural beliefs, emphasizing their distinct identity. Theologically, this separation signifies a spiritual rebirth and transformation, aligning with 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ.

just as I am not of the world
This phrase underscores the unity between Jesus and His followers in their separation from worldly values. Jesus' own life exemplified this detachment, as He consistently prioritized His Father's will over societal norms, as seen in His interactions with religious leaders and His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This connection is prophetic, as it fulfills Old Testament expectations of a Messiah who would be distinct and set apart (Isaiah 53:3). Theologically, it points to the believer's call to emulate Christ's example, living in the world but not being of it, as further elaborated in 1 John 2:15-17, which warns against loving the world.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is praying to the Father on behalf of His disciples. This prayer is part of what is known as the High Priestly Prayer.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' prayer, representing all believers who follow Christ. They are the ones Jesus refers to as "not of the world."

3. The World
In this context, "the world" refers to the system of values, beliefs, and practices that are opposed to God and His kingdom.

4. The Father
God the Father, to whom Jesus is praying. The relationship between Jesus and the Father is central to understanding the mission and identity of believers.

5. The High Priestly Prayer
This is the event in which Jesus prays for His disciples and all future believers, found in John 17. It is a significant moment of intercession before His crucifixion.Identity in Christ
As believers, our identity is rooted in Christ, not in the world. We are called to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting the values and character of Jesus.

Separation from Worldly Values
Being "not of the world" means rejecting the values and practices that are contrary to God's will. This involves discernment and a commitment to holiness.

Mission in the World
While we are not of the world, we are sent into the world to be salt and light. Our distinctiveness should draw others to Christ.

Dependence on God
Just as Jesus depended on the Father, we must rely on God for strength and guidance to live out our calling in a world that often opposes our faith.

Unity with Other Believers
Jesus' prayer emphasizes unity among His followers. Our shared identity in Christ should foster love and cooperation within the body of Christ.(16) They are not of the world.--These words are repeated from John 17:14. The thought of their being still in the world leads on to their mission in the world, and the prayer passes from the thought of preservation to that of their sanctification for their work. Their fitness for this is prominent in this verse. Already they are not of the world, even as He is not of the world.

Verse 16. - They are not of the world, even as of the world I am not. This verse simply repeats, with alteration of order, the clause of Ver. 14 as the basis of the next great petition. Ver. 14 draws the comparison between Christ and the disciples; Ver. 16 lays, by a transposition of words, the greater emphasis on "the world." Alas that this great utterance should so often be utterly ignored! How often in our own days, is other-worldliness and unworldliness derided as a pestilent heresy, and "a man of the world," instinct with its purpose and saturated with its spirit, lauded as the true man and ideal leader of a Christian state!

Parallel Commentaries ...


They are
εἰσὶν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world,
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

just as
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

am
εἰμὶ (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world.
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).


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NT Gospels: John 17:16 They are not of the world even (Jhn Jo Jn)