John 16 - The King James Study Bible

16:2. This verse refers to the fulfillment of the prophecy. See Acts 7:57–60.

16:8–11. The work of the Holy Spirit is to reprove (elegchō), to point out a fault or an error, or to expose something as it really is (cf. 3:20). The Holy Spirit reproves concerning three topics. (1) Sin (v. 9): the Holy Spirit reveals the need of redemption. Because they believe not on me: the greatest sin is unbelief (3:18), while the greatest work is belief (6:29). (2) Righteousness (v. 10): the Holy Spirit reveals the possibility of redemption. Because I go to my Father: Christ goes to the Father after a righteous life, and a death that will impute this righteousness to others. (3) Judgment (v. 11): the Holy Spirit reveals the reality of redemption. Because the prince of this world is judged: the power of Christ to judge Satan and to overthrow his kingdom is not future, but at the Cross and the Resurrection. “Is judged” (kekritai) means “has been judged” (cf. 13:31). For “the prince of this world” see also 12:31 and 14:30.