The character of unity expected among the disciples of Jesus, according to John 17:20-23

Abstract

This paper attempts to prove that the character of the unity motif in John 17:20-23 is articulated on three levels through various motifs. By using kaqw;"-clauses the Fourth Evangelist successfully proves how the unity relationship between the Father and Jesus has been used as an example according to which the unity relationship between Jesus’ disciples is to be constructed. This relationship in turn is based on the disciples’ relationship with Jesus. The unity between the disciples, which is the main objective here (indicated by i{na-clauses), has been conveyed in principle in these verses, while the constitution and practicability of this unity for Jesus’ disciples are explicated in Ch 15. After exploring the relationship between the Father and Jesus in Ch 17, the aspects that constitute the relationship between Jesus and his disciples are examined in Ch 15 and prove to correlate with the Christology in Ch 17. These unity relationships are demonstrated in the following phrases: oJ mevnwn ejn ejmoi;, menei'te ejn th'/ ajgavph/ mou, ta"; enj tola"v mou thrhsv hte, and ferv ei karpon polun.