John Calvin Commentary John 17:2

"even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life." — John 17:2 (ASV)

As you have given him. He again confirms the statement that he asks nothing but what is agreeable to the will of the Father, as it is a constant rule of prayer not to ask more than God would freely bestow. For nothing is more contrary to reason than to bring forward in the presence of God whatever we choose.

Power over all flesh means the authority that was given to Christ when the Father appointed him to be King and Head. But we must observe the end, which is, to give eternal life to all his people. Christ receives authority, not so much for himself as for the sake of our salvation. Therefore, we ought to submit to Christ, not only that we may obey God, but also because nothing is more lovely than that subjection, since it brings to us eternal life.

To all whom you have given me. Christ does not say that he has been made Governor over the whole world, in order to bestow life on all without any distinction; but he limits this grace to those who have been given to him. But how were they given to him? For the Father has subjected to him the reprobate. I reply, it is only the elect who belong to his own particular flock, which he has undertaken to guard as a Shepherd. So then, the kingdom of Christ extends, no doubt, to all men. However, it brings salvation to none but the elect, who with voluntary obedience follow the voice of the Shepherd. For the others are compelled by violence to obey him, until at last he utterly bruises them with his iron scepter.