Definition: While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 17:12. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about Jesus’s relationship with God and the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that Jesus is incredibly careful about who He’s working with, and he’s keeping them safe from something bad. It suggests He's anticipating a future where this "son of perdition" (which means “lost” or “destroyed”) will come into the world. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “While I was with them in the world…” – This tells us this is happening during Jesus’s earthly life . He wasn't just talking about future events; he was actively involved with people and situations. “…I kept them in thy name…” - This is a key part. Jesus is saying that He's been protecting and guiding these people – specifically, the followers of Jesus – through the name of God . It’s a way of acknowledging and honoring God's name as the source of everything good. “Those that thou gavest me I have kept…” - This is where it gets a little more profound. Jesus is referring to the people He was given to – those who believed in Him and followed His teachings. He’s saying he has been protecting them, safeguarding their faith and goodness. “And none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” – This is where it gets really significant. "The son of perdition" - This refers to a person who will ultimately lead people astray, reject God, and bring about terrible things. It’s essentially someone who is destined to do evil and cause suffering. “That the scripture might be fulfilled” – This means that Jesus believes that the message of this future event (the son of perdition) will eventually come into being in the world, and God will use it to guide people towards a better path. In simpler terms: Jesus is actively working to protect his followers from falling away and returning to a life of wickedness. He's essentially ensuring that those who are faithful to Him will remain steadfast. What does this mean for us today? This verse encourages us to: Trust in God: It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and works for good, even when we don’t see it. Be mindful of our faith: It suggests that our beliefs and actions have a direct impact on the future and should be guided by our love for God. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as anticipating a future time of great conflict and suffering, but its primary focus remains on protecting and nurturing those who are devoted to Jesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular story or theme in the Bible?