These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16 is a powerful and comforting chapter, concluding Jesus's teaching during the Last Supper, which began in John 13. It's a message of encouragement, preparing the disciples (and us) for the inevitable hardships they would face, while assuring them of ultimate victory through Him. The key themes revolve around persecution, the coming of the Holy Spirit, sorrow turned to joy, prayer, and the ultimate triumph of Christ over the world. This chapter serves as a bridge to John 17, Jesus's High Priestly Prayer, offered just before His arrest.
Preparing for Persecution (John 16:1-4)
Jesus begins by explicitly warning His disciples about the persecution they will face. He says, "I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling" (John 16:1). He knew that the trials ahead could cause them to abandon their faith. Jesus forewarns them that they will be ostracized from synagogues and even killed, with their persecutors believing they are serving God (John 16:2). This persecution stems from a lack of knowledge of both the Father and the Son (John 16:3).
It's crucial to understand that Jesus isn't trying to instill fear, but to prepare them. Knowing that hardship is expected and even planned for by God greatly diminishes the fear when it arrives. As 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us, "All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." We shouldn't be surprised when our Christian beliefs and standards lead to rejection or censure from family, friends, employers, or even the government. But remember, the Holy Spirit is available to empower us in our time of need.
The Advantage of Jesus's Departure and the Coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15)
The disciples are filled with sorrow at the prospect of Jesus leaving them (John 16:5-6). They had spent three years with Him, witnessed His miracles, and hoped to see Him reign as King. However, Jesus assures them that His departure is actually for their benefit. He states, "Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7).
This might seem paradoxical, but Jesus explains that the coming of the Holy Spirit is essential. While Jesus was physically present, His presence was limited to one place. The Holy Spirit, however, would indwell each believer (John 14:17), going with them wherever they went. The Holy Spirit's presence is not physically limited, offering a more intimate and pervasive connection.
The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted. He will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He convicts of sin because people fail to believe in Jesus (John 16:9). He convicts of righteousness because Jesus is returning to the Father (John 16:10), proving His righteousness through resurrection and ascension. Finally, He convicts of judgment because the ruler of this world, Satan, has been judged (John 16:11).
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). He will declare things to come, ensuring the apostles' writings are true and guaranteeing Scripture as the very words of God. The Spirit's role is to glorify the Son, receiving the Son's words and disclosing them to His followers (John 16:14-15). This highlights the Trinity in action: the Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. While the Spirit provided the apostles with perfect revelation to write Scripture, He also provides us with personal illumination, enabling us to understand Scripture and apply it to our lives – a process often called "the anointing" (see 1 John 2:20, 27).
Sorrow Turned to Joy (John 16:16-24)
Jesus speaks of a time when the disciples will no longer see Him, followed by another time when they will see Him again (John 16:16). This refers to His death and resurrection. The disciples are confused (John 16:17-18), but Jesus knows their thoughts (John 16:19).
He uses the analogy of a woman in labor to explain the transition from sorrow to joy (John 16:20-22). The pain of childbirth is intense, but the joy of holding a newborn baby overshadows the suffering. Similarly, the disciples' grief at Jesus's crucifixion will be transformed into overwhelming joy at His resurrection. This joy, rooted in the presence and work of Christ, is lasting and cannot be taken away (John 16:22). It's not dependent on fleeting circumstances but on the unwavering presence of Christ within us.
Jesus reiterates the power of prayer in His name (John 16:23-24). He encourages them to ask the Father for anything in His name, promising that they will receive, so that their joy may be complete. This is not a blank check, but a call to prayer aligned with God's will and purpose. There is no joy like that which comes from answered prayer, a joy rooted in our confidence and commitment to God.
Plain Speaking and Overcoming the World (John 16:25-33)
Jesus acknowledges that He has been speaking in figures of speech (John 16:25), but the time is coming when He will speak plainly about the Father. There's a principle here: God reveals truth as we are ready to receive it. When you don't understand what Jesus is doing in your life, remember that even the first disciples were confused. Trust and obedience are paramount; further understanding will come in time.
Jesus assures them that the Father loves them because they love Him and believe that He came from God (John 16:26-27). The disciples affirm their belief in Jesus (John 16:29-30), but Jesus knows their hearts better than they do themselves. He predicts that they will all scatter and abandon Him (John 16:31-32). It's easy to boast about faith, but harder to live it.
However, even in their abandonment, Jesus is not alone, for the Father is with Him (John 16:32). He concludes this section with a powerful message of hope and victory: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
This is the heart of John 16. Jesus doesn't promise a life free from suffering, but He does promise peace in the midst of it. This peace is not mere serenity, but a deep-seated assurance rooted in our connection with Him. It's a peace that can only be truly known in the face of conflict. We can have courage to pursue God's agenda because Jesus has already conquered the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death. Our eternity is secure. Knowing this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord radically changes our perspective as we face life's obstacles. His peace gives us peace in the midst of life’s crises.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16 is a powerful and comforting chapter, concluding Jesus's teaching during the Last Supper, which began in John 13. It's a message of encouragement, preparing the disciples (and us) for the inevitable hardships they would face, while assuring them of ultimate victory through Him. The key themes revolve around persecution, the coming of the Holy Spirit, sorrow turned to joy, prayer, and the ultimate triumph of Christ over the world. This chapter serves as a bridge to John 17, Jesus's High Priestly Prayer, offered just before His arrest.
Preparing for Persecution (John 16:1-4)
Jesus begins by explicitly warning His disciples about the persecution they will face. He says, "I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling" (John 16:1). He knew that the trials ahead could cause them to abandon their faith. Jesus forewarns them that they will be ostracized from synagogues and even killed, with their persecutors believing they are serving God (John 16:2). This persecution stems from a lack of knowledge of both the Father and the Son (John 16:3).
It's crucial to understand that Jesus isn't trying to instill fear, but to prepare them. Knowing that hardship is expected and even planned for by God greatly diminishes the fear when it arrives. As 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us, "All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." We shouldn't be surprised when our Christian beliefs and standards lead to rejection or censure from family, friends, employers, or even the government. But remember, the Holy Spirit is available to empower us in our time of need.
The Advantage of Jesus's Departure and the Coming of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15)
The disciples are filled with sorrow at the prospect of Jesus leaving them (John 16:5-6). They had spent three years with Him, witnessed His miracles, and hoped to see Him reign as King. However, Jesus assures them that His departure is actually for their benefit. He states, "Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7).
This might seem paradoxical, but Jesus explains that the coming of the Holy Spirit is essential. While Jesus was physically present, His presence was limited to one place. The Holy Spirit, however, would indwell each believer (John 14:17), going with them wherever they went. The Holy Spirit's presence is not physically limited, offering a more intimate and pervasive connection.
The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted. He will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He convicts of sin because people fail to believe in Jesus (John 16:9). He convicts of righteousness because Jesus is returning to the Father (John 16:10), proving His righteousness through resurrection and ascension. Finally, He convicts of judgment because the ruler of this world, Satan, has been judged (John 16:11).
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). He will declare things to come, ensuring the apostles' writings are true and guaranteeing Scripture as the very words of God. The Spirit's role is to glorify the Son, receiving the Son's words and disclosing them to His followers (John 16:14-15). This highlights the Trinity in action: the Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. While the Spirit provided the apostles with perfect revelation to write Scripture, He also provides us with personal illumination, enabling us to understand Scripture and apply it to our lives – a process often called "the anointing" (see 1 John 2:20, 27).
Sorrow Turned to Joy (John 16:16-24)
Jesus speaks of a time when the disciples will no longer see Him, followed by another time when they will see Him again (John 16:16). This refers to His death and resurrection. The disciples are confused (John 16:17-18), but Jesus knows their thoughts (John 16:19).
He uses the analogy of a woman in labor to explain the transition from sorrow to joy (John 16:20-22). The pain of childbirth is intense, but the joy of holding a newborn baby overshadows the suffering. Similarly, the disciples' grief at Jesus's crucifixion will be transformed into overwhelming joy at His resurrection. This joy, rooted in the presence and work of Christ, is lasting and cannot be taken away (John 16:22). It's not dependent on fleeting circumstances but on the unwavering presence of Christ within us.
Jesus reiterates the power of prayer in His name (John 16:23-24). He encourages them to ask the Father for anything in His name, promising that they will receive, so that their joy may be complete. This is not a blank check, but a call to prayer aligned with God's will and purpose. There is no joy like that which comes from answered prayer, a joy rooted in our confidence and commitment to God.
Plain Speaking and Overcoming the World (John 16:25-33)
Jesus acknowledges that He has been speaking in figures of speech (John 16:25), but the time is coming when He will speak plainly about the Father. There's a principle here: God reveals truth as we are ready to receive it. When you don't understand what Jesus is doing in your life, remember that even the first disciples were confused. Trust and obedience are paramount; further understanding will come in time.
Jesus assures them that the Father loves them because they love Him and believe that He came from God (John 16:26-27). The disciples affirm their belief in Jesus (John 16:29-30), but Jesus knows their hearts better than they do themselves. He predicts that they will all scatter and abandon Him (John 16:31-32). It's easy to boast about faith, but harder to live it.
However, even in their abandonment, Jesus is not alone, for the Father is with Him (John 16:32). He concludes this section with a powerful message of hope and victory: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
This is the heart of John 16. Jesus doesn't promise a life free from suffering, but He does promise peace in the midst of it. This peace is not mere serenity, but a deep-seated assurance rooted in our connection with Him. It's a peace that can only be truly known in the face of conflict. We can have courage to pursue God's agenda because Jesus has already conquered the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death. Our eternity is secure. Knowing this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord radically changes our perspective as we face life's obstacles. His peace gives us peace in the midst of life’s crises.