Matthew Poole and continuators on John 17:20

20 Neither pray I for these alone: but for them also which shall believe on me through their word :

Two things are evident from this Verse. 1. That Christ did not pray for any Reprobates, not for any that were and should die unbelievers; he prayed before for those who actually did believe; he prayeth here for them that should believe; but we never read that he prayed for any others: Now whether he laid down his life for those for whom he would not pray, lyeth upon them to consider, who are so confident, that he died for all and every man. 2. That by persons given to Christ, cannot be understood believers as such; for Christ here prayeth for those that were no actual believers, but should believe. 3. That [illegible: 1 letter]aith cometh by hearing; Christ here prayeth for those that should believe through their word, that is, the Apostles Preaching the Gospel.