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| A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver |
This text is a summation of the work of God through Christ. It tells us how men are saved. It is an exposition of Jesus being "the Way" (Jn 14:6) and "the Good Shepherd" (Jn 10:14) and "the Captain of our Salvation" (Heb 2:10). This is how God's "own arm" is bringing salvation to Himself (Isa 63:5). God is saving men and safely, victoriously, triumphantly bringing them to Himself by Christ. All of the Father's children are given to Christ and Christ brings them to the Father.
When Jesus prayed as recorded in John 17, He made many things known concerning His work in the earth and the fulfillment of the Father's will. It was an incredibly insightful prayer that the disciples were permitted to hear. In that prayer Jesus prayed "not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine" (v9). He identified believers as a possession of the Father's and consequently He made known His ministry in bringing God His possession. Jesus was and is the very "elect" of God (Isa 42:1) the One chosen for this great work of salvation. He is the Savior of the world and He is very capable of accomplishing "the work" that the Father has given Him to do (Jn 17:4). He is mighty to save.
Jesus said, "Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee" (v1). Salvation - your salvation and mine - is this very thing. The Father is glorifying the Son and the Son is glorifying the Father.
The Father has exalted Christ and raised Him up to save. He "hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him" (v2). Jesus has, in fact, been given authority to forgive sins and to give eternal life. Jesus is the only man who had "life in Himself" (Jn 5:26) and is Himself "the Life" (Jn 14:6). He is the only suitable source of life; for no one can give what they themselves do not possess. Jesus was given power to give life to all those that are given to Him of His Father. The Father is giving men to Jesus so Jesus can give them eternal life.
But that is not all that Jesus gives them. "I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me" (v6). This is specifically true of the apostles but also to all those that the Father gives to Jesus. Jesus manifests the name of the Father to them. In "the midst of the congregation" Jesus is declaring the name of God unto His brethren (Ps 22:22). When Jesus teaches men (Eph 4:20-21) they become acquainted with the Father. In fact, "this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (v3). When Jesus gives men eternal life He is given them to know the Father and Himself.
Ultimately, the Father is giving men to Jesus so that Jesus can keep them in His name and give them back to the Father. "Those that Thou gavest Me I have kept," Jesus said (v12). If Jesus could do that while He was in the world how much more can He keep us now, having been exalted and glorified and seated at the right hand of God. He is able to keep all those whom the Father has given Him. If you are in Christ today it is because Jesus is keeping you. If you are believing God today it is because Jesus is keeping you. If you are overcoming the world by faith it is because Jesus is keeping you. And if Jesus is keeping you it is so that He can give you to the Father. "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am" (v24). He is not just "giving" you to the Father, He is "bringing you" to the Father (1 Pet 3:18). In other words, He is going to the Father with you that where He is, there you may be also - even in the presence of the Father.
This is a very specific view of salvation. It is "how" you are being saved. Men may not realize it while it is happening, but nevertheless, this is how it is being done. Jesus said, "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw Him; and I will raise him up at the last day" (Jn 6:44). Most think that they simply came to Jesus but they came because the Father drew them and gave them to Him. Jesus continued, "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (Jn 6:45). The Father teaches men, draws men and gives men to His Christ and His Christ gives them eternal life, manifests the Father's name and brings them safely home. That is a thorough salvation.
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24-25)
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