John 17:19

Verse 19. And for them do I sanctify myself [6]. Saint Augustine expounds it, I sanctify them, who are my members, in myself. The interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom and S. Cyril, seems preferable, that to sanctify in the style of Scriptures, is oftentimes the same as to offer up a sacrifice: so the sense here is, I sacrifice, and offer up myself on the cross for them and all mankind. Witham.—By this Christ shews, that he sanctified the apostles, by sanctifying himself; because they are the members of his body. Saint Augustine tract. 107. in Joan.—Or, according to Saint John Chrysostom I offer myself up to be the victim in their behalf. For victims, and whatever is dedicated to God, are called holy. He, their head, was offered up, and they also are immolated, according to that of the apostle, Romans 12. Exhibit your members a living sacrifice, holy, and so forth Saint John Chrysostom hom. lxxxi in Joan.