John 17:26

have declared … will declare Better, made known … will make known. The verb is cognate with that rendered -know" in John 17:25, and here as there the aorist is used, not the perfect. Christ knows the Father and makes known His name, i.e. His attributes and will (see on John 1:12), to the disciples. This imparting of knowledge is already accomplished in part, -I made known" (comp. John 15:15); but the knowledge and the love which imparts it being alike inexhaustible, there is room for perpetual instruction throughout all time, especially after the Paraclete has been given, -I will make known" (comp. John 14:26; John 16:13).

wherewith thou hast loved me In the Greek we have a double accusative, as in Ephesians 2:4. -Hast loved" should be didst love (see on John 17:4): but possibly this is a case where the English present might be admitted as the best equivalent of the Greek aorist (see on John 15:8).

may be in them May rule in their hearts as a guiding principle, without which they cannot receive the knowledge here promised; for -he that loveth not, knoweth not God" (1 John 4:8).

I in them These last words of Christ's Mediatorial Prayer sum up its purpose. They are the thread which runs through all these farewell discourses. He is going away, and yet abides with them. His bodily presence passes away, His spiritual presence remains for ever; not seen with the eye without, but felt as life and strength within. Having known Christ after the flesh, now they know Him so no more: they are in Christ, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).