Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 17:16

"They are not of the world even as I am not of the world." — John 17:16 (ASV)

Jesus does not, however, ask that they be removed from a disagreeable and dangerous environment. Like him, they have a mission to discharge and must remain to fulfill it, however perilous it might be; but he does ask for protection for them from the evil one. The declaration that “they are not of the world” gives the negative aspect of the previous prayer that they may be one as Jesus and the Father are one. The disciples’ unity binds them to Christ and at the same time separates them from the world. John stresses the separation that results from difference of nature (cf. 1Jn 2:19). The separation is inherent, not artificial.