John 17:8
The words ( τα ρηματα ). Plural, each word of God, as in 3:34, and of Christ (5:47; 6:63, 68), while the singular ( τον λογον σου ) in verses 6, 14 views God's message as a whole.Knew ( εγνωσαν ). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω like ελαβον in contrast with εγνωκαν (perfect) in verse 7. They definitely "received and recognized truly" ( αληθως ). There was comfort to Christ in this fact.
They believed ( επιστευσαν ). Another aorist parallel with ελαβον and εγνωσαν. The disciples believed in Christ's mission from the Father (Joh 6:69; Mt 16:16). Note απεστειλας here as in verse 3. Christ is God's
Apostle to man (Heb 3:1). This statement, like a solemn refrain ( Θου διδστ σενδ με ), occurs five times in this prayer (verses 8, 18, 21, 23, 25).
Copyright information for
RWP