May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. During Jesus' ministry, the apostles bickered over power and prestige. The Book of Acts records early disagreements regarding the nature of salvation and the scope of the gospel. The epistles seek to reconcile divided congregations.
Division is as old as the church.
Yet at the very end of his ministry, Jesus agonized over the unity of his followers. No doubt, most Baptist sermons preached from Jesus' prayer for unity have encouraged unity within local churches. Many have urged unity among Baptists. But a much smaller portion have prodded Baptists toward unity with other Christians. The announcement signals an end to almost three decades of spirited, direct and yet open conversation.