John Chapter 16

From The Open Bible Project

16:1 "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.

• (1) The ministers of the gospel must expect all types of reproaches, not only by those who are open enemies, but even by those also who seem to be of the same household, and the very pillars of the Church.

16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God.

16:3 They will do these things[52] because they have not known the Father, nor me.

16:4 But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

16:5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

16:6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.

16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

• (2) The absence of Christ according to the flesh is profitable to the Church in that it causes the Church to be wholly dependant upon his spiritual power.

16:8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;

• (3) The Spirit of God works so mightily by the preaching of the word that he forces the world, whether or not it wants to, to confess its own unrighteousness and Christ’s righteousness and almightiness.
• (a) He will so reprove the world, that those of the world will not be able to give any excuse.
• (b) He refers to the time that followed his ascension, when as all those opposed were manifestly reproved, through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Church: so that the very enemies of Christ were reproved of sin, in that they were forced to confess that they were deceived, in that they believed not, and therefore they said to Peter in (Acts 2:37), "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

16:9 about sin, because they don't believe in me;

16:10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won't see me any more;

• (c) Of Christ himself: for when the world will see that I have poured out the Holy Spirit they will be forced to confess that I was just, and was not condemned by my Father when I went out of this world.

16:11 about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.

• (d) Of that authority and power which I have both in heaven and in earth.
• (e) That is, because they will then understand and indeed know that I have overcome the devil, and govern the world, and then all men will see that they set themselves against you in vain, for I will arm you with heavenly power by which you may destroy every high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of God; (2 Corinthians 10:5).

16:12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now.

• (4) The doctrine of the apostles proceeded from the Holy Spirit, and is most perfect.

16:13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.

16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you.

• (5) The Holy Spirit brings no new doctrine, but teaches that which was uttered by Christ’s own mouth, and imprints it in our minds.

16:15 All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he [53] takes [See John Footnotes 53] of mine, and will declare it to you.

16:16 A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."

• (6) The grace of the Holy Spirit is a most distinct mirror in which Christ is truly beheld with the most sharp sighted eyes of faith, and not with the blurred eyes of the flesh: and by this we feel a continual joy even in the midst of sorrows.
• (f) When a little time is past.
• (g) For I go on to eternal glory, so that I will be much more present with you than I was before: for then you will feel indeed what I am, and what I am able to do.

16:17 Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Father?'"

16:18 They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?' We don't know what he is saying."

16:19 Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?'

16:20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

16:21 A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.

16:22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

16:23 "In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

16:24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

16:25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.

• (7) The Holy Spirit, who was poured upon the apostles after the ascension of Christ, instructed both them in all the central mysteries and secrets of our salvation, and also the Church by them, and he will also instruct the Church until the end of the world.

16:26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don't say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you,

• (8) The sum of the worship of God is the invocation of the Father in the name of the Son the mediator, who is already heard for us, for whom he both abased himself, and is now also glorified.

16:27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

16:28 I came out from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."

16:29 His disciples said to him, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech.

• (9) Faith and foolish security differ greatly.

16:30 Now we know that you know all things, and don't need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came forth from God."

16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

16:32 Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

• (10) Neither the wickedness of the world, neither the weakness of his own, can diminish anything of the virtue of Christ.

16:33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

• (11) The surety and foundation of the Church depends only upon the victory of Christ.
• (h) That in me you might be thoroughly quieted. For by "peace" is meant here that quiet state of mind which is completely contrary to disquietness and great sadness.