New Testament
John 17:21
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that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.
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That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
What John 17:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is praying for unity among his followers, comparing their oneness to the deep relationship he shares with God the Father. He emphasizes that just as he and the Father are united, so too should his disciples be united with each other and with God. This unity is not just for their benefit; it serves a greater purpose. When believers are united, it demonstrates to the world the truth of Jesus' mission and divinity. The world will see this unity as evidence that God sent Jesus, which can lead to belief in him. This prayer highlights the importance of community and harmony among believers, showing that their collective witness can impact the faith of others.
How to apply John 17:21 to your life
To live out this verse, strive for unity in your relationships with other believers. Engage in open communication, resolve conflicts, and support one another. By fostering a spirit of togetherness, you can reflect Christ's love and draw others to faith in him.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Prays for His Followers (John 17:1–26)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 17:21 mean?
John 17:21 expresses Jesus' prayer for unity among his followers, comparing their oneness to the relationship he shares with God the Father. This unity is meant to show the world the truth of Jesus' mission and encourage belief in him.
What is the meaning of unity in John 17:21?
In John 17:21, unity refers to the deep connection and harmony that Jesus desires among his followers, similar to the relationship between Jesus and God. This unity is essential for demonstrating the truth of Jesus' divine mission to the world.
How can we apply John 17:21 in our lives?
To apply John 17:21, focus on building strong relationships with other believers through open communication and conflict resolution. By promoting unity and support, you can reflect Christ's love and positively influence others.
Why is unity important according to John 17:21?
Unity is important in John 17:21 because it serves as a testimony to the world about Jesus' divine mission. When believers are united, it can lead others to believe in Jesus and recognize the truth of his message.
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