John 16 - Amplified Study Bible

16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. The persecution that the disciples would face included excommunication and even execution. Excommunication had economic as well as religious implications because much of the life of an ancient Jew revolved around the synagogue.

16:7 it is to your advantage. The disciples must have thought, “How can it be to our advantage to be alone? The Romans hate us because they see us as disturbers of the peace. The Jewish leaders hate us because they see us as blasphemers.” Jesus explained the benefits of His departure. When Jesus left, the believers would have (1) the provision of the Holy Spirit (vv. 7–15); (2) the potential of full joy (vv. 16–24); (3) the possibility of fuller knowledge (vv. 25–28); (4) the privilege of peace (vv. 29–33).

16:8 convict. The Holy Spirit would demonstrate the truth of Christ beyond the fear of contradiction. The Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers through believers who witness about Christ (15:26–27). Believers are the mouthpiece for God’s voice.

16:11 about judgment. Satan, the ruler of the world, rules in the hearts of unregenerate people and blinds their minds (1Co 2:6–8). Satan was judged at the cross, and the Holy Spirit would convince people of the judgment to come. Satan has been judged, so all who side with him will be judged with him.

16:12 you. Here, this refers to the apostles. Technically, what the Lord says about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in verses 12–15 applies primarily to the apostles. That ministry was threefold: (1) He would guide them into all truth (v. 13); (2) He would tell them of the future (v. 13); (3) He would help them glorify Christ (vv. 14–15). Jesus’ words were fulfilled in the apostles’ preaching and writings.

16:13 Spirit of Truth. The phrase means that the Holy Spirit is the source of truth (14:17; 15:26). guide. The Holy Spirit would not compel or carry the disciples into truth. He would lead; their job was to follow.

16:14 glorify and honor Me. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by declaring Him or making Him known. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to throw light on Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God. Christ is to be on center stage; that is the desire of both the Father and the Spirit. The apostles received truth from the Holy Spirit, truth about things to come, and truth about Christ. Then, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they wrote those truths in documents known today as the New Testament.

16:18 A little while. The biggest question weighing on the disciples’ minds was the time factor. They simply did not understand the strange intervals marked by their separation from Jesus.

16:21 A woman, when she is in labor. Jesus used the example of a pregnant woman whose sorrow is transformed into joy in the birth of a child.

16:26 I will ask the Father on your behalf. Because Jesus provides forgiveness of sins through His death and now intercedes for all believers at the right hand of the Father (Heb 7:25), we have direct access to the Father. We do not need the intercession of a priest, because Jesus acts as our High Priest before God.

16:31 Do you now [at last] believe? We continue in the Christian life the same way we begin, by believing in Jesus. The more we learn of Christ, the more we have to believe. The more we place our trust in Jesus, the more we receive. The more we receive, the more we can accomplish for His glory.

16:33 tribulation. This is literally “pressure” and figuratively means “affliction” or “distress.”