What does John 17:6 mean?

God the Son is that person of the Trinity which humanity can most easily see and comprehend (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; John 1:1, 14–18). Jesus underscores that idea here, using a term translated into English as "manifested." This is from the Greek root word phaneroo, which means "to make something visible, recognizable, or explained, or to declare." Just as the term used in chapter 1, logos, implies a message or speech, this verse indicates that Jesus represented God in His ministry to the disciples. Acting "in the name of" someone means to echo their will and their authority (John 12:13; 14:26; 15:21; 16:26).

In this context, "the people whom you gave me out of the world" are these closest followers: the Twelve, also known as the apostles, though one of them chose damnation instead (John 17:12). Christ has made a point of reminding these men that He chose them (John 6:70; 15:16), they did not come to follow Him by their own inspiration. Those given to Christ are given by God, and they are His.

Jesus was not shy about calling out the disciples for their errors (Matthew 8:26; Mark 8:33; Luke 24:25). And yet, here, He indicates that they have kept God's Word. While all sin is our responsibility (1 Corinthians 10:13), God also knows that we are not perfect (Hebrews 4:16). The same was true of the Twelve: they were fallible, but their trusting commitment to Jesus meant they were sincerely, truly following God.