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JOHN CHAPTER 16, COMMENTARY
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO JOHN 16:1-33
A. The literary context runs from John 15:18-16:4a. Chapter divisions are not inspired
and are much later additions, like paragraphing, capitalization, punctuation, and
verse division.
B. The Holy Spirit's task to the spiritually lost is defined in John 16:8-11, His task to
the saved in John 16:12-15. Samuel J. Mikolaski has an interesting summary of the
Spirit's activity in the NT in his article "The Theology of the New Testament" in
The Exposition Bible Commentary, Vol. 1:
"The NT doctrine of sanctification, while closely allied to justification, is
nevertheless distinct from it. As in the OT, sanctification points first to the
separateness-the holy transcendence of God-and second, to a moral quality and
relationship that is Godlike. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, who
unites a person with Christ and renews his life spiritually. The NT language entails
the baptism in the Spirit ( 1 Cor. 12:13); the seal of the Spirit (Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30),
the indwelling of the Spirit (John 14:17; Rom. 5:5; 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; 2 Tim.
1:14), instruction by the Spirit (John 14:26; 16:12-15), the filling of the Spirit (Eph.
5:18), and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23). Sanctification is related to
justification, which is a standing before God (Heb. 10:10), and may be thought of
as development into a new ideal" (p. 474).
C. John 16:17, like 13:36; 14:5, 8, and 22, is another question by the Apostles.
D. Many believe that the "let us go from here" of John 14:31 combined with 18:1 shows
that Jesus spoke chapters 15-17 on the way to Gethsemane through the temple and
streets of Jerusalem, not in the upper room.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:1-4
Vs 1 – "These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.
Vs 2 – “They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for
everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.
Vs 3 – “These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.
Vs 4 – “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may
remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the
beginning, because I was with you."
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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16:1
NASB "so that you may be kept from stumbling"
NKJV "that you should not be made to stumble"
NRSV "to keep you from stumbling"
TEV "so that you will not give up your faith"
NJB "so that you may not fall away"
A. This Greek term (aorist passive subjunctive of skandalizō, BAGD 752) was originally
used of a baited trap for catching animals. It is often translated "fall away" (cf.
Matt. 13:21; 24:10; Mark 4:17; 14:27, 29). Its metaphorical use in this context
refers to believers not being caught unawares by the hateful actions of fellow Jews,
even religious leaders.
16:2 - "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue" This refers to excommunication from Judaism (cf. John 9:22, 34; 12:42).
A. There is so much that is unknown about Jewish dis-fellowshipping procedures.
There was both a temporary and a permanent exclusion from synagogue services.
Later, after the fall of Jerusalem in a.d. 70, at Jamnia in Palestine, the rabbis
developed a "curse oath" related to Christ by which they desired to exclude
Christians from synagogue services. This is what finally forced a split between the
followers of Christ and local Jewish synagogues.
■ "Everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God" This is
exactly what the Jewish leaders (cf. Isa. 66:5; Matt. 5:10-12; 10:32) thought. Saul
of Tarsus (Paul) is a good example of this misguided religious zeal (cf. Acts 26:9-11;
Gal. 1:13-14).
16:3 - "These things they will do" Sincerity and commitment to a Supreme Being are
not enough. Evil, error, and fanaticism often occur in God's name.
■ "Because they have not known the Father or Me" The term "to know" refers to
the OT connotation of intimate, personal relationship (cf. Gen. 4:1; Jer. 1:5). This is
a strong assertion that rejection of Jesus is ultimately rejection of God (cf. John
8:19; 15:21; 1 John 5:9-12).
A. John often asserts the spiritual blindness and ignorance of the world (cf. John 1:10;
8:19,55; 15:21; 16:3; 17:25). However the purpose of the Son's coming was to save
the world (cf. John 3:16) and reveal the Father so that the world might know Him
(cf. John 17:23) through Christ.
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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16:4 - Jesus' predictions were given as a means of encouraging the disciples faith/
trust/belief in the midst of persecution and rejection (cf. John 13:19; 14:29).
"From the beginning" refers to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the
special call of the Twelve.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:5-11
Vs 5 - "But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, 'Where are
You going?'
Vs 6 – “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
Vs 7 – “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not
go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
Vs 8 – “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness
and judgment;
Vs 9 – “concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;
Vs 10 – “and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer
see Me;
Vs 11 – “and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged."
16:5 - "None of you asks Me, 'Where are You going'" It seems that Peter did ask
this very question in John 16:13:36, but immediately his mind was distracted to
the agony of Jesus leaving them and then the question of what would happen to
them (cf. John 16:6). John 14:1-3 addresses Jesus' ascension to heaven (cf.
Acts 1:9-11).
A. This is a good place to remind ourselves that the Gospels are not verbatim, wordfor-word, transcripts of Jesus' conversations. They are summaries done years later
for theological purposes. The Gospel writers, under inspiration, had the option of
selecting, arranging, and adapting Jesus' words (see Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart,
How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth). I do not believe they had the right to
put words in Jesus' mouth. This theological structuring of Jesus' words, teachings,
and actions for the evangelization of certain target audiences, probably explains
many of the differences among the Gospel accounts!
16:6 - "Sorrow has filled your heart" This is a perfect active indicative. The Upper
Room experience was one of sorrow (cf. John 14:1; 16:6, 22). The term "heart" is
used in the Hebrew sense of the entire person-mind, feelings, and will.
16:7 - "It is to your advantage that I go away" Jesus' physical body could be in only
one place at one time, which limited His ability to both teach and minister to all
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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of His disciples. Also, during His earthly life He focused primarily on Israel (cf.
Matt. 10:6; 15:24). The coming of the Holy Spirit would open up a new era that
would issue in an expanded ministry (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13).
A. The term "advantage" meant "expedient" and is also used in John 11:50 and 18:14 in
connection with Jesus' death. The phrase "go away" could include all the events of
Jesus' last week.
■ "For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you" There are two third
class conditional sentences in this verse which imply potential action. Jesus had to
leave for the fullness of the Spirit to come! The term paraclētos can be translated
"advocate," "comforter," or "helper" (cf.John 14:16, 26; 15:26, see full note at John
14:16). This word appears only in John's writings. It was used in Greek literature
for a defense lawyer called alongside to render aid. In John 16:8-11 the Spirit
acted as a prosecutor to the world, however, in John 16:12-15 the Spirit's advocacy
is seen on behalf of believers.
B. This same term paraclētos, is used for the Son in 1 John 2:1. The Greek root can be
translated "comfort." In this sense it is used of the Father in 2 Cor. 1:3-11.
■ "I will send Him to you" The Spirit came from both the Father and the Son (cf.
John 14:26).
16:8 - "And He, when He comes, will convict the world" Notice that all three areas
(sin, righteousness, judgment) of the Spirit's witness relate to the need of
mankind and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The term "convict" was a
legal term for a "cross-examination."
A. G. B. Caird, The Language and Imagery of the Bible, p. 159, has an interesting
understanding of these three areas. Convince the world that:
1. It has been wrong in bringing Jesus to trial and execution
2. It has been wrong about the meaning of sin
3. It has been wrong about the meaning of righteousness
4. It has been wrong about the meaning of judgment
B. If so, then the Spirit is fully revealing the gospel through the person of Jesus.
Their religiosity cannot save them. Judgment awaits all who reject Jesus! "The sin"
is unbelief! Jesus is the only way to life with God!
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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C. The term "world" refers to human, fallen society organized and functioning apart
from God..
16:9 - "Concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me" The gospel starts with a
recognition of mankind's sinfulness and the need for God's righteousness (cf.
Rom. 3:9-18,23; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3). Sin is not "the" major stumbling block to
salvation this side of Calvary, but mankind's unbelief in the work and person of
Jesus Christ (cf. John 3:6-21; 8:24,26). The term "belief" has cognitive and
emotional elements, but primarily it is volitional. It focuses not on the believer's
worthiness or performance, but on their repentant faith response to God's
promises in Christ (cf. Rom. 3:21-30).
16:10 - "Concerning righteousness" This may refer to:
1. Christ's upcoming redemptive work on Calvary and the Resurrection seen as a unit
(cf. John 16:10)
2. Those who think they are right with God apart from Christ when in reality it is
Christ only who is right with God, seen in the Ascension
16:11 - "Concerning judgement, because the ruler of this world has been judged"
There is a day coming when both fallen angels and sinful mankind will stand
before the righteous God (cf. Phil. 2:9-11). Satan, though still a great power in
this world (cf. John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19), is already a
defeated foe (perfect passive indicative). His children (cf. John 8:44; Matt.
13:38; 1 John 3:8-10) reap the wrath of God!
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:12-15
Vs 12 - "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
Vs 13 – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;
for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will
speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
Vs 14 – “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
Vs 15 – “All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of
Mine and will disclose it to you."
16:12 - "You cannot bear them now" The term "bear" is used of an animal carrying a
physical burden. Some of the things they could not understand were:
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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1. Christ's suffering
2. Christ's resurrection
3. The world mission of the church
A. Modern readers must remember that in many ways the life of Christ represents a
transition period. The Apostles did not understand many things until the postresurrection appearances and the coming of the Spirit in fullness at Pentecost.
B. However, we must also remember that the Gospels were written years later for
evangelistic purposes to certain targeted audiences. Therefore, they reflect a later,
matured theology.
16:13 - "The Spirit of truth" Truth (alētheia) is used in its OT connotation of
trustworthiness and only secondarily in a sense of truthfulness. Jesus said that
He was the truth in John 14:6. This title for the Holy Spirit emphasizes His role
as the revealer of Jesus (cf. John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-14; 1 John 4:6; 5:7).
See note at John 6:55.
■ "He will guide you into all the truth" This does not refer to absolute truth in every
area, but only in the area of spiritual truth and the teachings of Jesus. This refers
primarily to the inspiration of the authors of NT Scriptures. The Spirit guided
them in unique, authoritative (inspired) ways. In a secondary sense it relates to the
Spirit's work of illuminating later readers to the truths of the Gospel..
■ "For He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will
speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come" The things that are to come
refer to the immediate redemptive events: Calvary, the Resurrection, the
Ascension, and Pentecost. This does not refer to a prophetic ministry of foretelling
the future (i.e., Agabus, Acts 21:10,
A. The Spirit will receive truth from the Father, as Jesus did, and pass it on to
believers, as Jesus did. It is not just the content of the Spirit's message that is
from the Father, but the methodology (i.e., personal, as well. The Father is
functionally supreme (cf. 1 Cor. 15:27-28).
16:14-15 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you"
The primary work of the Spirit is the lifting up and explaining of Jesus the
Messiah (cf. John 16:15). The Spirit never shines the spotlight on Himself, but
always on Jesus (cf. John 14:26).
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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■ "All things that the Father has are Mine" What an astonishing claim (cf. John 3:35;
5:20; 13:3; 17:10; Matt. 11:27). This is analogous to Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-22; Col.
2:10; 1 Pet. 3:22.
A. There is a functional order, not an inequality, within the Trinity. As Jesus reflected
the Father, the Spirit reflects Jesus.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:16-24
Vs 16 - "A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you
will see Me."
Vs 17 – “Some of His disciples then said to one another, "What is this thing He is
telling us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and
you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?"
Vs 18 – “So they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not
know what He is talking about."
Vs 19 – “Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, "Are you
deliberating together about this, that I said, 'A little while, and you will not
see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'?
Vs 20 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will
rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.
Vs 21 – “Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but
when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish
because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.
Vs 22 – “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will
rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
Vs 23 – “In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you,
if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.
Vs 24 – “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so
that your joy may be made full."
16:16 "A little while" This phrase occurs often in John (cf. John 7:33; 12:35; 13:33;
14:19). There have been several theories of what this idiomatic phrase means:
1. The post-resurrection appearances
2. the Second Coming
3. Jesus' coming in and through the Holy Spirit
A. In the light of the context, number 1 is the only possibility (cf. John 16:22). The
disciples were confused by this statement (cf. John 16:17-18).
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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16:17 - "Some of His disciples then said to one another" This is another question
like John 13:36; 14:5, 8, 22. Jesus uses these questions to reassure them and
reveal Himself. It is characteristic of John that he uses dialog to reveal truth.
In John there are twenty-seven conversations with or about Jesus. It is also
characteristic of John that Jesus' hearers did not comprehend what He said (cf.
John 16:18). He is from above; they are from below.
■ "And 'because I go to the Father'" Jesus stated this in John 16:5 as He did in the
phrase "in a little while" in John 16:16. In a sense this is a very specific Messianic
reference (cf. John 13:1,3; 16:28; 17:24).
■ "Will not see...see" There are two different words for "see" in John 16:16 & 17. They
seem to be synonymous. If so there is only one period of time being referred to &
that probably was the time between Jesus' death on the cross & resurrection morning.
A. Others suppose the two verbs and phrases refer to "physical" sight and "spiritual"
sight and thereby refer to (1) the time between Calvary and Sunday morning or (2)
the time between the Ascension and the Second Coming.
B. The fact that the first verb (theōreō) is present tense in both John 16:16 and 17
and the second (horaō) is future tense in both John 16:16 and 17 seem to support
the synonymous theory.
16:18 - "So they were saying" This is an imperfect tense which can mean (1) they
were saying over and over or (2) they began to say.
■ "What is this that He says" Those who were with Him, who heard Him and saw His
miracles, did not always understand (cf. John 8:27, 43; 10:6; 12:16: 18:4). This is
what the ministry of the Spirit will alleviate.
16:19 - "Jesus knew that they wished to question Him" Jesus often knew people's
thoughts (cf. John 2:25; 6:61, 64; 13:11). It is difficult to know for sure if this
was (1) His divine nature; (2) insight into people and situations; or (3) both.
16:20 - "Truly, truly, I say to you" This is literally "Amen, Amen. "Amen" was the
OT term (aman, emeth, emunah) for "faith" (cf. Hab. 2:4). Its primary etymology
was "to be firm" or "to be sure." It came to be used figuratively for the
trustworthiness of God which is the background to the biblical concept of
faith/faithfulness. Jesus is the only one who ever started a sentence with this
term. It seems to have the connotation of "this is an important and trustworthy
statement, listen closely."
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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■ "You will weep & lament" This meant loud and expressive sorrow which was characteristic of Jewish grieving practices (cf. John 11:31,33; 20:11). Three times Jesus used
the emphatic plural "you" when speaking of the disciples' sorrow (John 16:20 [twice]
and John 16:22). Leadership means:
1. Servanthood
2. Rejection by the world
3. Persecution like the Master's
■ "You will grieve, but your grief will be turned to joy" What a great promise to the
disciples in the midst of their confusion and lack of understanding. Everything that
Jesus promised this core group of disciples was fulfilled at Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance the first Sunday night after the resurrection in the upper room.
1. He would not leave them (cf. John 14:18; 16:16,19; 20:19)
2. He would come to them (cf. John 14:18; 16:16,19; 20:19)
3. He would give them peace (cf. John 16:22; 20:19)
4. He would give them the Spirit (cf. John 15:26; 20:22)
16:21 - "Whenever a woman is in labor" The metaphor of a woman in childbirth is
common in the Old & New Testaments. Usually it is used to emphasize the suddenness or inevitability of the birth, but here the focus is on the attitude of the
mother, before & after. This metaphor is often linked with the "birth-pains" of
the New Age (cf. Isa. 26:17-18; 66:7-14; Mark 13:8). This was exactly what Jesus
was referring to & this was exactly why the disciples, who were still on the other
side of the cross, resurrection, & ascension, did not understand Jesus' words!
16:23 "In that day" This is another Hebraic idiomatic phrase (like childbirth cf. John
16:21) which is commonly associated with the coming of the New Age (cf. John
14:20; 16:25, 26).
■ "You will not question Me about anything" There are two different words for
"question" or "ask" in this verse (cf. John 16:26). The first implies "ask a question"
(cf. John 16:5,19,30). If this is the proper translation, Jesus was referring to all
their questions expressed in the context of John 13-17 (cf. John 13:36; 14:5, 8, 22;
16:17-18). The second term would then refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf.
John 14:16-31; 15:26-27; 16:1-15), who will answer all their questions.
A. In some ways this phrase reminds me of the promise of the "New Covenant" of Jer.
31:31-34, where the coming of the new age would bring a complete knowledge to all
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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believers.
NASB "if you ask the Father for anything in My name"
NKJV "whatever you ask the Father in My name"
NRSV "if you ask anything of the Father in my name"
TEV "the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name"
NJB "anything you ask from the Father he will grant in my name"
B. This is an indefinite relative clause, not a conditional sentence. It must be
understood that asking in Jesus' name is not simply closing our prayers with a ritual
formula, but praying in the will, mind, and character of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 John
5:13). See note at John 15:16.
C. There is a manuscript variant related to the phrase "in My name." Should it go with
"ask" or "give" or both? The context is prayer, therefore, it should probably go
with "ask," although in reality, everything from the Father comes through Jesus
("My name" cf. John 14:13, 14; 16:15, 24, 26).
16:24 - "Ask and you will receive" "Ask" is a present active imperative. This focuses
on believers' prayers being persistent and ongoing. In one sense believers need
only ask once, believing, but in another sense, prayer is an ongoing fellowship and
trust in God, keep on asking (cf. Matt. 7:7-8; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8).
■ "So that your joy may be made full" This is a periphrastic perfect passive
participle (cf. 1 John 1:4). Answered prayer is a reason for our joy! Joy is a
characteristic of Jesus' followers (cf. John 15:11; 16:20, 21, 24; 17:13).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:25-28
Vs 25 - "These things I have spoken to you in a figurative language; an hour is coming
when I will speak no more to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly
of the Father.
Vs 26 = “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request
of the Father on your behalf;
Vs 27 – “for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me & have believed
that I came forth from the Father.
Vs 28 – “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the
world again and going to the Father."
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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16:25 - "Figurative language" Jesus' teachings had a two-fold effect: (1) it opened up
understanding and (2) it blocked understanding (cf. Mark 4:10-11; Isa. 6:9-10;
Jer. 5:21). The heart of the hearer is the key to effectual understanding.
However, there were truths that even the saved could not grasp until after the
Passion week events (crucifixion, resurrection, resurrection appearances,
ascension) and Pentecost.
A. The post-resurrection appearance to the two on the road to Emmaus (cf. Luke
24:13-35) may give a clue as to how Jesus taught the Apostles (cf. John 16:2527, 29). He Himself in His post-resurrection appearances showed how the OT
applied to and foreshadowed His ministry. This set the pattern for Peter's
preaching in Acts (kerygma,
16:26 - "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will
request of the Father on your behalf" This verse expresses an important
truth. Many modern Christians feel they cannot approach God directly! However,
the Bible teaches that:
1. The Spirit prays for believers (cf. Rom. 8:26-27)
2. The Son intercedes for believers in 1 John 2:1
3. Believers can approach God directly in prayer because of Christ
16:27 - "For the Father Himself loves you" This term for "love " is phileō, which is
also used in John 5:20 for the Father's love for Jesus. What a tremendous
statement which reinforces John 3:16 (which uses agapaō). It is not a reluctant
God whom Jesus has to placate, but a loving Father with whom Jesus works to
accomplish Their redemptive purposes!
NASB "from the Father"
NKJV, NRSV,
TEV, NJB "from God"
A. There are two Greek manuscript variants: (1) "God" or "Father" & (2) the presence
or absence of the article. "God" appears in MSS P5, וi2, A, and N, while "the God"
appears in MSS C3 and W. This seems to be the more difficult & unusual wording.
It is one of the tenants of Textual Criticism that the most difficult or unusual text
is probably the original that scribes tended to alter. The United Bible Societies'
Greek New Testament gives it a "C" rating (difficulty in deciding).
John Ch. 16, Commentary
Page 12
B. However "Father" appears in וi1 and "the Father" in B, C*, D, and L. It fits the
context best.
■ "Because you have loved Me and believed that I came forth" These are two
perfect active indicatives. Love and belief in Jesus set the stage for fellowship
with the Father. The statement in A Translator's Handbook on the Gospel of John
by Barclay Newman and Eugene Nida is very interesting:
"These statements indicate that for John the concepts of love, obedience, and
faith are simply different ways of expressing one's relation to the Son" (p. 518).
16:28 - "I came forth. . .and have come" This is an aorist tense followed by a perfect
tense. Jesus was born at Bethlehem (Incarnation) and the results of His coming
abide (i.e., "I am with you always," cf. Matt. 28:20).
A. The fact that Jesus "Came forth from the Father" (cf. John 16:27,30; 8:42; 13:3;
17:8) asserts:
1. His pre-existence
2. His divinity
3. His full revelation of the Father
■ "I am leaving the world again & going to the Father" This refers to the upcoming
ascension and the beginning of the ministry of the "Helper" and the intercessory
ministry of Jesus (cf. Heb. 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1). As pre-existence was asserted
in John 1:1, so Jesus' restoration to glory and power is asserted in this verse (cf.
John 17:5,24).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JOHN 16:29-33
Vs 29 – “His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure
of speech.
Vs 30 – “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to
question You; by this we believe that You came from God."
Vs 31 – “Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?
Vs 32 – “Behold, an hour is coming and has already come, for you to be scattered, each
to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with Me.
Vs 33 – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the
world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
John Ch. 16, Commentary
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16:30 - This sentence must be understood in light of Jesus' knowing the disciples'
question of John 16:19. This statement by them reflects their growing, but still
incomplete, faith. They had seen and heard so much; did this event (cf. John
16:19) really function as a major turning point in their understanding? To me this
sounds like one of Peter's well-intentioned but exaggerated statements (see
The Jerome Biblical Commentary, p. 456).
16:31 - "Do you now believe" This can be a question or a statement. Most modern
English translations understand it as a question. Even at this crucial period, the
faith of the Apostles was not complete. Modern believers' initial, but weak,
faith is also accepted by God when they respond to Jesus based on the light
that they have. The disciples lack of faith will be evident in their deserting
Jesus during His trials and crucifixion.
16:32 - "You to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone"
Apparently only John was present at the trials and crucifixion (cf. Matt. 26:31,
from Zech. 13:7). John 21:1-3 suggests that several of the Apostles had gone
back to fishing as a vocation.
A. Jesus was bereft of human companionship (cf. Matt. 26:38,40-41, 43,45), but never
divine companionship (cf. John 8:16,29) until the crucifixion, when He bore the sin
of all the world (cf. Matt. 27:45-46).
NASB "to his own home"
NKJV "to his own"
NRSV "to his home"
NJB "his own way"
TEV "your own home"
REB, NET,
NIV "to his own home"
B. The NKJV is literal. Most English translations assume it refers to ones home.
Bultmann asserts it refers to "property" or "possessions" (NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 839),
referring to Jesus as the creator (i.e., John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).
16:33 - "In Me you may have peace" This is a present active subjunctive (cf. John
14:27). Both objective and subjective peace is found and maintained in Christ.
■ "The world" John uses "world" in this context as human society organized and
functioning apart from God..
John Ch. 16, Commentary
Page 14
■ "You have tribulation" The persecution that Jesus faced, they will face (cf. John
15:18-25; Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 14:22; 1 Thess. 3:3). The persecution (i.e., thlipsis) is
a way to reveal Jesus' true followers.
A. In Revelation there is a theological distinction between "wrath" and "persecution."
God's wrath never falls on believers, but non-believers' anger falls on believers.
The world reveals itself as the children of Satan by their attacks on "the light of
the world" (cf. John 1:1-18; 3:17-21)!
■ "Take courage" This is a present active imperative (cf. Matt. 9:2,22; 14:27; Mark
6:50; 10:49; Acts 23:11). It sounds like YHWH's words to Joshua (cf. Jos. 1:6, 9, 18;
10:25).
■ "I have overcome the world" This is a perfect active indicative. Victory is assured
even before Gethsemane, before Calvary, before the empty tomb (cf. Rom. 8:37;
1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14; 4:7-15)! There is no ultimate dualism. God is in control.
B. As Jesus overcame the world by love and obedience to the Father, believers are
also overcomers through Him (cf. 1 John 2:13-14; 4:4; 5:4-5; Rev. 3:21; 12:11).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the connection between John 15 and 16?___________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. In relationship to John 16:5, how do we understand 13:36?___________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the lost world?____________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to believers?_______________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. Why are John 16:26-27 such an important truth needed in light of modern
denominational tendencies?__________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
John Ch. 16, Commentary
Page 15
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
UBS4
NKJV
The World's
Hatred
The Coming
Rejection
(15:18-16:4a)
(15:26-16:4)
The Work of
the Spirit
16:4b-11
The Work of the
Holy Spirit
NRSV
TEV
NJB
The Disciples
and the World
The Christian's
Relation to the
World
(15:18-16:4a)
16:1-4a
The Work of The Coming of
the Holy Spirit the Paraclete
16:4b-11
16:4b-11
16:12-15
16:12-15
(15:18-16:4a)
16:4b-15
16:5-15
16:12-15
Sorrow Will
Turn into Joy
Sorrow Will Turn
into Joy
16:16-24
16:16-24
16:16-24
Sadness and
Gladness
Jesus to
Return Very
Soon
16:16
16:16
16:17-18
16:17-28
16:19-22
16:23-24
I Have
Overcome
Jesus Christ has
Overcome the
World
16:25-33
16:25-33
Victory Over
the World
16:25-28
16:25-28
16:29-33
16:29-30
16:31-33
16:29-33