1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 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.
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 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.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 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.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
16 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.
17 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?
18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire 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?
20 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.
21 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.
22 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.
23 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.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
25 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.
26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30 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.
31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32 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.
33 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.
Overview of John Chapter 16
John Chapter 16 is part of the Farewell Discourse, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure. This chapter focuses on the themes of the Holy Spirit, the challenges the disciples will face, and the promise of joy amid sorrow.
Key Themes
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus emphasizes the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who will guide, teach, and convict the world.
- Persecution and Suffering: Jesus warns His disciples about the trials and persecution they will face for their faith.
- Joy in Sorrow: The chapter contrasts the sorrow of the disciples with the joy that will come after Jesus’ resurrection.
- Prayer and Assurance: Jesus encourages the disciples to pray in His name, promising that their prayers will be answered.
Detailed Analysis
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Verses 1-15)
In the opening verses, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges ahead. He warns them that they will face persecution, stating that they will be expelled from synagogues and even face death at the hands of those who believe they are serving God. This foreshadows the hardships they will endure after His crucifixion.
- Comforter: Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who will come after His departure. The Spirit will guide the disciples into all truth, reminding them of Jesus’ teachings.
- Conviction of the World: The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, highlighting the need for repentance and the reality of divine justice.
Persecution and Sorrow (Verses 16-22)
Jesus uses the metaphor of a woman in labor to describe the disciples’ impending sorrow. Just as a mother experiences pain before the joy of childbirth, the disciples will experience grief due to His departure, but this will be transformed into joy when He rises from the dead.
- Temporary Grief: Jesus reassures them that their sorrow will turn into joy, emphasizing the transient nature of their suffering.
- Personal Connection: The disciples will have a personal relationship with Jesus, and their joy will be complete when they see Him again.
Prayer and Assurance (Verses 23-28)
In these verses, Jesus speaks about the power of prayer in His name. He encourages the disciples to ask for anything, assuring them that their requests will be fulfilled.
- Direct Access to God: Jesus emphasizes that they will no longer need to ask Him directly, as they will have direct access to the Father through Him.
- Joy in Prayer: The act of prayer will bring them joy, reinforcing the importance of communication with God.
Final Encouragement and Peace (Verses 29-33)
As the chapter concludes, the disciples express their understanding of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus reassures them that He has overcome the world, providing a source of peace amid their trials.
- Overcoming the World: Jesus’ victory over sin and death offers hope and assurance to His followers.
- Peace in Troubling Times: He encourages them to take heart, as their faith will sustain them through the challenges they will face.
Conclusion
John Chapter 16 encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ farewell message to His disciples. It offers profound insights into the role of the Holy Spirit, the reality of persecution, the importance of prayer, and the promise of joy despite sorrow. This chapter serves as a source of comfort and strength for believers, reminding them of the hope found in Jesus Christ.
