“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17
“Sanctify” means “to set apart.” God sets His people apart from the world by means of His Word. All Christians are “holy” or “set apart” before God through Baptism. However, a few Christians, such as the apostles and prophets, are “set apart” for a unique office within Christ’s Church.
There are two ways to understand this statement: (1) as separate for holiness, or (2) as set apart for service. According to the first view, Jesus was praying not only that the disciples should be kept from evil, but that they should advance in holiness. However in v. 18, sanctification seems to refer to the disciples’ mission of service to others.
“Your word is truth” is a strong statement of Jesus’ confidence in the veracity of Scripture. People’s opinions may vary, and experiences are notoriously untrustworthy, but God’s Word always remains true.
God’s blessings on your day…