John 18:9

[billwald]

8: Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

In the context of v 8, what does "lost" mean in v.9?

 

[ChrisB]

I think this passage is rich in meaning for us.

In saying this Jesus was quoting Himself in John 6:39 which refers to His saving work and raising up of His disciples on the last day. Of course this also refers to His wish that the disciples not be arrested with Him and put to the same test as He was about to undergo. A test which they would surely fail (see Peter's denial of Him and the scattering of the other disciples except John). He did not of course mean that He would save them from any physical harm for all time - the disciples would be persecuted and all of the apostles except John would meet violent deaths, so He is not guaranteeing perpetual physical well-being. What He means here is, I believe, that we will not be put to any trial for which He has not prepared us, supremely of course in Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection.

 

[christian-only]

"Lost" here obviously means "died before accomplishing their purpose." None of the apostles died before preaching the gospel and establishing churches, except the son of perdition.