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even as you gave him authority over all flesh, that to all whom you have given him, he will give eternal life.

Verse Takeaways

1

Christ's Two-Fold Authority

Commentators, particularly Charles Spurgeon, see this verse as harmonizing two truths. Christ has a general authority "over all flesh," meaning all humanity is under his sovereign power. This universal authority serves a specific purpose: to ensure He can give the gift of eternal life to the particular group the Father has "given him." One scholar likens this to rain falling everywhere, but with the specific goal of watering a particular field.

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Commentaries

18

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On John 17:2

18th Century

Theologian

As you have given him power. It was on the ground of this power given to Christ that the apostles were commanded to go and teach all natio…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On John 17:2

Authority over all flesh (εξουσιαν πασης σαρκος). Σαρκος is objective genitive. Stupendous claim impossible for a mere man to make…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On John 17:2

19th Century

Bishop

As you have given him power over all flesh.—Better, According as you gave Him... This is the ground on which the…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On John 17:2

19th Century

Preacher

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

In that saying of …

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On John 17:2

The two sentences following the initial petition are parenthetical and explanatory. The first (v.2) indicates the scope of the authority Christ exe…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On John 17:2

16th Century

Theologian

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 co…

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John Gill

John Gill

On John 17:2

17th Century

Pastor

As you have given him power over all flesh
All men, in distinction from angels; and these as fallen, as weak, frail, sinful, a…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On John 17:1–5

17th Century

Minister

Our Lord prayed as a man and as the Mediator of his people; yet he spoke with majesty and authority, as one with and equal to the Father.

Et…