John 17:15

“I pray not that thou shouldest take theft of the world, etc.] Either in an unusual manner, by a translation, as Enoch and Elijah were; or by death in its common form, before their time, and purely to be rid of afflictions: this he prayed not for; for he had much work for them to do, by preaching the Gospel, for the conversion of sinners and comfort of saints; and it was for his interest they should live longer; and it would make most for his glory, and be best for his chosen people and churches: but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil; either of sin, which is an evil and bitter thing, being committed against a good God, and a righteous law, and brings ruin and destruction upon men;…”

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world--for that, though it would secure their own safety, would leave the world unblessed by their testimony. but . . . keep them from the evil--all evil in and of the world.”

“That thou shouldest take them out of the world - Though they were going into trials and persecutions, yet Jesus did not pray that they might be removed soon from them. It was better that they should endure them, and thus spread abroad the knowledge of his name. It would be easy for God to remove his people at once to heaven, but it is better for them to remain, and show the power of religion in supporting the soul in the midst of trial, and to spread his gospel among men. Shouldest keep them from the evil - This may mean either from the evil one that is, the devil, or from evil in general that is, from apostasy, from sinking in temptation. Preserve them from that evil, or give them such…”

“That thou wouldest take them out of the world - Not yet: but that thou wouldest keep them from the evil one - Who reigns therein. John 17:17”

“take: Psa 30:9; Ecc 9:10; Isa 38:18, Isa 38:19, Isa 57:1; Luk 8:38, Luk 8:39; Phi 1:20-26 keep: Gen 48:16; Ch1 4:10; Psa 121:7; Mat 6:13; Luk 11:4; Gal 1:4; Th2 3:3; Ti2 4:8; Jo1 5:18 John 17:17”