John 16 - NLT Study Bible

16:1-2 Jesus had outlined the coming conflicts (15:18-25) so that the disciples would not abandon their faith (literally be caused to stumble). The greatest obstacle his disciples would face was to stumble and renounce their faith before their Jewish opponents (see Matt 23:34; Luke 6:22), especially during the dark days ahead (see 12:35; 1 Jn 2:9-11).

16:7 the Advocate (or Comforter, or Encourager, or Counselor; Greek reads Paraclete): The Spirit was a gift awaiting Jesus’ departure and glorification (John 7:37-39; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:12-14).

16:8 The Spirit unveils to the world the real nature of its sin, the truth about righteousness found only in God, and the coming judgment, which has already dawned on the world as light penetrating the darkness.

16:8-11 One of the Spirit’s roles is to convict the world. Convict is a legal term: The world had conducted its trial of Jesus, examining the evidence for his case (his signs and claims). Now the world would stand trial before the Spirit, and its guilt would be proven.

16:11 Judgment of sinners had already begun, for the ruler of this world, Satan, had already been judged (see 12:31). The world thought it was judging Jesus, but the opposite occurred.

16:13 The Spirit of truth (see notes on 14:16-17), who conveys truth from God, guides the judgment of the world. • The Spirit says only what he has heard from the Father. The Father, Son, and Spirit work in perfect unity (16:15). The disciples could expect the Spirit to reveal things they had not heard before about the present and the future (see 14:26).

16:16 Jesus reassured the disciples that his departure (on the cross) would be short and his return (in the resurrection) would be soon. When they saw him again, the disciples would experience overwhelming joy and intimacy with him in the Spirit.

16:16-33 a little while: This refrain reassured the disciples that their separation from Jesus would be short lived.

16:20 At the crucifixion, the world thought it had won a victory over the light. The shock of the cross would cause the disciples to weep and mourn, but their sorrow would change to joy when Jesus defeated the grave (20:20).

16:21 the pains of labor: This metaphor symbolizes anguish that is followed by God’s blessing and wonder (cp. Isa 21:2-3; 26:16-21; 66:7-10; Jer 13:21).

16:23-24 Ask . . . and you will receive: Two notable effects of the resurrection are the joy of understanding and the joy of successful prayer. The disciples would no longer experience the confusion described in 16:16-18.

16:25 Jesus spoke using figures of speech, which could only be interpreted with God’s help (1 Cor 1:18-25). With the coming of the Spirit, the disciples would understand.

16:26-27 After Jesus’ resurrection, the Spirit brought intimacy, allowing individual disciples to ask the Father to meet their needs. (14:23).

16:27 from God: Some manuscripts read from the Father.

16:33 But take heart, because I have overcome the world: “Such a saying as this is worthy to be carried from Rome to Jerusalem on one’s knees” (Martin Luther). Jesus’ final words did not chastise, but brought comfort. Jesus promised peace (John 14:27) and joy (John 16:20, 22). Now he added that his disciples can discover peace even when surrounded by threats; they can be tranquil despite those who are hostile to their faith.