Albert Barnes Commentary John 17:23

"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me." — John 17:23 (ASV)

May be made perfect in one. That is, that their union may be complete; that there may be no disagreements, discords, or contentions. A machine is perfect or complete when it has all its parts and is in good order—when no portion of it is lacking. Thus, the union of Christians, for which the Saviour prayed, would be complete or perfect if there were no controversies, no envyings, no contentions, and no resentment and jealousies.

It is noteworthy here how entirely the union of his people occupied the mind of Jesus as he drew near to death. He saw the danger of strifes and contentions in the church. He knew the imperfections of even the best of men. He saw how prone they would be to passion and ambition; how ready they would be to mistake love of sect or party for zeal for pure religion; how selfish and worldly men in the church might divide his followers and produce unholy feeling and contention; and he also saw how much this would do to dishonour religion.

Therefore, when he was about to die, he took the opportunity to impress the importance of union on his disciples. By solemn admonition, and by most tender and affecting appeals to God in supplication, he showed his awareness of the value of this union. He used the most sublime and impressive illustration; he referred to the eternal union between the Father and himself; he reminded them of his love, and of the effect that their union would have on the world, to fix it more deeply in their hearts.

The outcome has shown the infinite wisdom of the Saviour. The contentions and strifes of Christians have shown his knowledge in foreseeing it. The effect of all this on religion has shown that he understood the value of union. Christians have contended long enough. It is time that they should hear the parting admonitions of their Redeemer and go unitedly against their common foe.

The world still lies in wickedness; and the friends of Jesus, bound by the cords of eternal love, should advance together against the common enemy and spread the triumphs of the gospel around the globe. All that is necessary now, under the blessing of God, to convince the world that God sent the Lord Jesus, is that very union among all Christians for which he prayed; and when that union of feeling, purpose, and action shall take place, the task of sending the gospel to all nations will be soon accomplished, and the morning of the millennial glory will dawn upon the world.