John 16 - CSB Tony Evans Study Bible

16:2-4 We shouldn’t be shocked when we experience rejection or censure for our Christian beliefs and standards. This could come from family, friends, employers, customers, coworkers, the government—and the list goes on. As Paul told Timothy, “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12).

16:7 The coming of the Holy Spirit would benefit the disciples because his presence would not be physically limited (as Jesus’s was). He would dwell within each of them (see 14:17) and go with them wherever they traveled (see Eph 1:22-23). If you have trusted Jesus Christ, you are never alone.

16:8 To convict in this sense is to convince concerning the truth.

16:13 Indeed, the Spirit would declare to them things that were yet to come (such as the prophecies in Revelation). He would ensure that the apostles’ writings were true, guaranteeing that they wrote Scripture, the very words of God.

16:16 In a little while, the disciples would no longer see him because he would be dead and buried. But in another little while, they would see him again when he rose from the grave.

16:17-18 Don’t be upset when you don’t understand what Jesus is doing in your life. After all, Jesus’s first disciples were confused, and they had Jesus right there with them! Choose to pursue him in the midst of your confusion.

16:20 Their grief would turn to joy at his resurrection.

16:22 Joy is rooted in the presence and work of Christ on the inside—not on the ever-changing circumstances of life.

16:24 God is still in the prayer-answering business when we love and seek to honor the Son, and there’s nothing like the joy that comes when the Creator of the universe answers your personal prayer.

16:25 There is a principle at work here for believers in Christ: God only explains what you are ready and able to handle. You may not understand the circumstances that you’re experiencing, but God loves you and is taking you through a growth process. He calls for your trust and obedience now. Further understanding will come later, when you’re prepared to receive it.

16:26-27 Notice that the Father himself loves due to a disciple’s relationship to his Son.

16:31-32 Jesus said, Do you now believe? Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered . . . and you will leave me alone. Translation: “You don’t believe as strongly as you think you do. Now, while all is quiet and safe, this is easy for you to say. But very soon you’re going to forget your fragile faith and run.”

16:33 Regardless of how the world beats you down, you have reason to live with bold faith because Jesus is the sovereign King over the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death. If you’re a believer, your eternity is secure. And Jesus has the power to overrule your earthly circumstances. Knowing this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord will radically change your perspective as you face whatever obstacles come your way.