Tyndale Open Study NotesJohn 16

Jesus had described the coming conflicts so the disciples would not abandon their faith (literally be caused to stumble (15:18–25). The biggest challenge they would encounter was rejecting their faith in front of their opponents (see Matthew 23:34; Luke 6:22). This would especially be true during the difficult times ahead (see John 12:35; 1 John 2:9–11).

the Advocate: This title refers to the Holy Spirit. The word can mean helper, comforter, or one who speaks on behalf of another.

Jesus taught that the Spirit would come after his departure and glorification (his death, resurrection, and return to the Father; see 7:37–39; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:12–14).

The Spirit was a promised gift. After Jesus returned to the Father, the Spirit would guide, teach, and strengthen his followers.

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.

The Holy Spirit unveils to the world:

• the real nature of its sin,

• the truth about righteousness found only in God, and

• the coming judgment.

In one sense, this judgment has already begun. When God’s light shines into the darkness, it exposes what is wrong and calls people to respond.

The judgment of sinners had already started. This was because God had already judged the prince of this world, Satan (see 12:31). The world believed it was judging Jesus, but the opposite was true.

• The Spirit of truth, who brings truth from God, guides the judgment of the world.

• The Spirit speaks only what he hears from the Father. The Father, Son, and Spirit work in perfect unity (16:15). The disciples could expect the Spirit to reveal new things about the present and future (see 14:26).

a little while: Jesus repeated this phrase to comfort his disciples. He wanted them to know that their separation from him would not last long. Although he would soon leave them, he would return to them again.

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.

With the death of Jesus on the cross, the world thought it had won a victory over the light. The surprise 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).

pain in childbirth: This metaphor symbolizes anguish that is followed by God's blessing and wonder (compare Isaiah 21:2–3; 26:16–21; 66:7–10; Jeremiah 13:21).

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.

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

After the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit brought a close relationship with God. Through the Spirit, disciples could live in God’s presence and speak to the Father about their needs (14:23).

take courage; 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). The final words of Jesus did not rebuke his disciples. Instead, he spoke to comfort them. Jesus promised peace and joy (14:27; 16:20, 22).

Now he added that his disciples can discover peace even when surrounded by threats. They can remain calm even when others oppose their faith.