17:9 I am not praying for the world. Jesus’ work of redemption has particular reference to the elect—those whom the Father has given Him (10:14, 15, 27–29). This verse strongly supports a doctrine of definite redemption: the prayer of Jesus before His sacrificial death specifies His purpose in dying. In other contexts, where the specific purpose of Jesus’ offering is not in precise focus, Jesus prays for His enemies, as we also are to do (Matt. 5:44; Luke 23:34). See “Definite Redemption” at 10:15.