Paul knew that he would never see any of his friends and fellow believers again. He wanted to clear his conscience before all of them by demonstrating that he had never taken them for granted or misused his office for his own advantage. He was always a controversial figure and had come in for much criticism, and even slanderous attacks, during his ministry. But he was content in knowing that he had been doing God’s Will. It would be helpful if we too could become immune to criticism and attacks. If our conscience is clear, it should not matter what some others might say.

What does it mean to be consecrated in the truth? Jesus is not speaking of theology or doctrine, but the truth about God. When Jesus says that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He means that God is revealed in His person. God is light and God is love – period. And we can be part of that light and love – that is the Good News. But it comes with a warning: when we are consecrated in that truth, the world will not have much use for us. We will no longer belong to the world, but to God – we are set apart for God and we belong to God. We will live eternal life even while still alive on earth.