John Chapter 16

At a Glance

  • John 16 continues the Farewell Discourse with a focus on the Spirit’s coming, the purpose of Jesus’ leaving, and the trajectory of the disciples’ mission.
  • Further, Jesus addresses questions about his immediate leaving, assuring his disciples that although they will not see him for a little while, they will again see him because he goes to the Father.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • As part of the Farewell Discourse, John 16 is a theological and pastoral address designed to equip the church for the post-resurrection era.
  • - the Spirit’s empowering presence: the Comforter who guides into truth.

CHAPTER REFERENCE

Chapter Overview

John 16 continues the Farewell Discourse with a focus on the Spirit’s coming, the purpose of Jesus’ leaving, and the trajectory of the disciples’ mission. Jesus explains that it is better for him to go, because his departure will unleash the Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will guide believers into all truth, convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and reveal what is to come. The Spirit’s ministry centers on glorifying Christ, taking from what is his, and making it known to the community. Jesus also speaks of sorrow turning into joy: a temporary sadness in light of the Spirit’s coming, which will empower the church to endure and witness in a hostile world.

Further, Jesus addresses questions about his immediate leaving, assuring his disciples that although they will not see him for a little while, they will again see him because he goes to the Father. The discourse includes prophetic insight into persecution and the world’s reaction: the disciples will be persecuted, but they can remain confident because the Spirit will empower them to testify. The chapter emphasizes the ongoing relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit, establishing a theological framework for life in the Spirit, mission, and perseverance.

Historical & Literary Context

As part of the Farewell Discourse, John 16 is a theological and pastoral address designed to equip the church for the post-resurrection era. The Spirit’s coming is a central Johannine theme, linking Jesus’ departure to a new phase of divine presence within the community. The chapter addresses practical concerns—grief, fear, and confusion—while reframing them in light of divine empowerment and truth. It sits within a broader narrative arc that includes Jesus’ farewell, Promise, and the expectation of Pentecost.

Key Themes

- the Spirit’s empowering presence: the Comforter who guides into truth.

- conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment: the Spirit’s diagnostic role for the world.

- sorrow transformed into joy: Jesus’ departure as a doorway to deeper communion with God.

- divine unity and revelation: the Spirit testifies to Jesus’ work and helps believers understand it.

- mission under persecution: preparation for witness in a hostile world.

Modern Application

John 16 offers practical assurance for contemporary believers facing uncertainty, grief, or confusion. The Spirit’s role as guide and comforter provides a resource for discernment, decision-making, and resilience in ministry and daily life. The idea that sorrow can yield lasting joy encourages perseverance through trials. The text also reframes persecution as a context for bold witness rather than fear, inviting Christians to rely on spiritual empowerment rather than human strength.

Cross-References: Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 12:3

Recommended Personas: Jesus (teacher of truth), the Spirit (comforter and guide), Paul (theology of spiritual manifestation), anonymous disciple (persevering witness)

Chapter Text

1

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

2

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

4

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

7

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

15

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

17

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

18

They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

19

Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

21

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

23

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

25

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

26

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

28

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29

His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

30

Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

31

Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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