John 17:6
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
John 17:6
In this verse, Jesus shifts to explaining the discipleship relationship: “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” The Father chose individuals for Jesus to reveal God to, and Jesus fulfilled that calling by revealing the Father’s name—his character, will, and ways. The language “thine they were, and thou gavest them me” echoes divine choice and human response. The claim “they have kept thy word” signals that the disciples have received Jesus’ teaching with trust, even amid worldly pressures. In the context of John, “the world” often represents opposition to God’s purposes; yet, those given to Jesus belong to the Father, and Jesus commits to guarding their allegiance as they receive and obey the Father’s word.
This verse underscores revelation, election, and obedience as core strands of salvation. The Father’s “name” represents his character; to reveal it is to teach people how life with God looks. The disciples’ “keeping” of the word indicates a genuine response to revelation and a dependence on the Spirit for ongoing faithfulness. It also anchors the Genesis-to-Revelation arc of God’s plan: God reveals himself progressively, and human beings respond in trust and obedience. The verse sets up the continuity between Jesus’ mission and the disciples’ mission in the world: a living transfer of knowledge that sustains the church.
How does this translate today? God reveals himself through Scripture and Jesus’ teaching. Our task is to receive, trust, and live out that revelation. Practical steps: study the Bible with an expectant heart, memorize key claims about God’s character, and allow those truths to shape decisions and habits. As you interact with others, reflect God’s name by practicing honesty, mercy, and justice. When you face doubt or pressure, return to the Word you’ve received and lean on the community of believers—the local church, mentors, and accountability partners—to “keep” you in truth. Trust that God has given you to Jesus for formation, and that your faithfulness contributes to the ongoing testimony of God’s name in the world.
Cross-References: John 6:37; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 2:9-13