John 16 - NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible

16:1–11 There was to be no doubt the disciples would experience persecution. Jesus told them about it ahead of time so they would not be surprised when it took place. He delineated for them some ways they would be persecuted. The persecutors would not know either the Father or Jesus. Jesus told them these things because he would soon leave them. He had not told them earlier, because he had been there with them to protect them. Jesus then returned to the theme of his departure. He encouraged the disciples by telling them that, despite his leaving, he would send the Spirit to turn their grief into joy and give them peace in time of trouble (vv. 5–33).

After Jesus reminded the disciples that he was returning to the Father, he chastened them for not asking where he was going (v. 5). Earlier Peter had asked this question, but he was less concerned about where Jesus was going than why he couldn’t accompany him. Jesus knew the disciples were overwhelmed with sorrow, so he reminded them that they would not be abandoned. He would send the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) to them. The Holy Spirit would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (v. 8). Verses 9–11 clarify verse 8. The imagery is a courtroom where the Holy Spirit is depicted as a prosecuting attorney, and the world is proven guilty. The Spirit will convict the world concerning sin because it does not believe in Jesus. The world will be convicted of a “sham righteousness” because good deeds apart from commitment to Christ cannot merit salvation (Isa 64:6). The world will be convicted concerning judgment because the world’s judgment against Jesus is wrong: at the cross Jesus defeated Satan.

16:12–15 The emphasis shifts from the Sprit’s role in the world as a prosecutor to his role among the disciples. The disciples could not take much more instruction now. The Spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit) would guide the disciples into the truth. Jesus made this absolutely clear in the next few verses by saying the same thing in different ways. The Spirit would continue Jesus’ revelatory work. This promise was directed specifically to Jesus’ disciples and found its particular fulfillment in their writing of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit would not speak or act independently but would glorify Jesus by drawing out the implications of his teaching to his disciples.

16:16–24 Jesus began the final section of the discourse by explaining that his separation from the disciples would be temporary. The disciples were completely perplexed as to what Jesus meant, evidenced by their repetition of his words. Jesus knew the disciples found his words confusing as he spoke to them concerning his death, resurrection, and return to the Father. He went on to explain that the world would rejoice at his death and the disciples would grieve, but their sorrow would soon turn into joy. He compared what they were experiencing to a mother in childbirth. A mother experiences great sorrow and pain in labor, but great joy accompanies the birth of her child. The very thing that would cause the disciples’ sorrow (Jesus’ death) would be the thing that would bring them joy—that is, Jesus’ resurrection and forgiveness of sin. Their sorrow would be momentary, but their joy would never be taken away from them. “In that day” (v. 23) likely refers to the day of Jesus’ resurrection. After his resurrection, the disciples would not have to ask Jesus the kinds of questions they had been asking. The dawning of the new age would bring a new intimacy in prayer with the Father. Previously the disciples had not prayed to the Father “in Jesus’ name,” but that would change (v. 26). Answered prayer would result in experiencing tremendous joy.

16:25–28 Jesus had been speaking enigmatically. A time was soon coming when he would speak more plainly. His teaching at that time would continue to focus on revealing the Father to his disciples. Following the resurrection, the disciples would pray to the Father in Jesus’ name because they would have a more personal relationship with the Father. The Father loved them because of their love and belief in Jesus. Now Jesus would be returning to the Father since the completion of his mission was drawing near (v. 28).

16:29–33 In contrast to the questions that had previously characterized the disciples’ contributions to the discussion, they responded with boldness and confidence in verses 29–30. The disciples rejoiced that Jesus was finally speaking clearly to them. They were confident that they now comprehended his teachings. While the disciples would soon abandon Jesus, the Father would not abandon him. Jesus told them all of this so that they would have peace. The world would do its worst to Jesus, but he would be victorious over it.