Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 17:18

"As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world." — John 17:18 (ASV)

“Sent” (GK 690, related to the word “apostle”) implies equipment for a definite mission. Jesus unites the disciples with himself in the work he began and expects them to continue. Just as the Father has sent him with authority, so he gives them authority (cf. Matthew 28:18–20); as he has come with a message of God’s love and forgiveness, so they must proclaim the same; as he has come into danger and peril of death, so they will encounter the same problems; and as the Father has sent him to the victory of the Resurrection, so they can expect the same. His words include warning, commission, and encouragement.