◄ John 16 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Persecution Foretold (Acts 23:12–22) 1“I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. 4But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15–26) 5Now, however, I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things. 7But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocatea will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned. 12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. 13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. 14He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. 15Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you. 16In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.b” Grief Will Turn to Joy 17Then some of His disciples asked one another, “Why is He telling us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.” 19Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? 20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. Ask in My Name (Matthew 18:19–20) 23In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. 25I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26In that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.c 28I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.” 29His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech. 30Now we understand that You know all things and that You have no need for anyone to question You. Because of this, we believe that You came from God.” 31“Do you finally believe?” Jesus replied. 32“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Footnotes: 7 a Or Comforter or Helper or Counselor; Greek Paraclete 16 b BYZ and TR include because I go away to the Father. 27 c WH from the Father Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub John 16 Summary The Promise of the Holy Spirit Verses 1–4a – Warning to Avoid Stumbling Jesus tells His friends that persecution is coming—expulsion from synagogues and even death at the hands of people who think they are serving God. He says these things in advance so the shock will not trip them up. Verses 4b–7 – Departure and Promise of the Helper Though He is returning to the Father, His going is for their good; only then will the Helper—the Holy Spirit—come and stay with them. Verses 8–11 – Work of the Spirit in the World The Spirit will expose the world’s sin, reveal true righteousness, and announce that judgment has already arrived on the ruler of this world. Verses 12–15 – Guidance of the Spirit for Disciples More truth is on the way; the Spirit will lead them into it, repeating only what He hears from the Son and the Father and bringing glory to Jesus. Verses 16–22 – Sorrow Turned to Joy A “little while” of grief during Jesus’ death will flip to unbreakable joy when they see Him alive again—like labor pains forgotten in the delight of a newborn child. Verses 23–28 – Access to the Father in Jesus’ Name After the resurrection, prayer “in My name” will be the new normal. The Father Himself loves them because they have loved and believed in Jesus, who came from the Father and is returning there. Verses 29–33 – Overcoming the Troubled World The disciples think they finally understand, yet Jesus predicts their scattering. Even so, He promises peace: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” In John 16, Jesus continues His discourse with His disciples, providing warnings and promises to equip them for the road ahead. He warns about the persecution they will face, further elaborates on the Holy Spirit's role, and assures them of their joy and His victory over the world. Furthermore, He emphasizes the power of prayer in His name. Historical Setting These words are part of Jesus’ farewell talk on the night before His crucifixion (John 13–17). The group has likely left the upper room and is moving toward the Garden of Gethsemane. The city is swollen with Passover pilgrims; Roman soldiers patrol, and religious leaders are plotting. The weight of approaching events colors every sentence. Expulsion from Synagogues Verse 2: “They will put you out of the synagogues.” The synagogue was not only a worship place; it was the social hub of Jewish life. Banishment meant loss of community, livelihood, and reputation. Acts 9:20–23; 13:45; and 18:6 show this prophecy unfolding as Paul and others are driven out for preaching Jesus. First-Century Synagogue Evidence Excavations at Capernaum and Magdala uncover basalt benches, reading platforms, and inscription stones. These finds illustrate the tight-knit setting that early believers would lose when expelled. The Helper (Holy Spirit) Verses 7–15 describe the Spirit’s ministry: • Personal presence: “another Advocate” (14:16) means one of the same kind as Jesus. • Conviction: piercing the conscience of both individuals and society (16:8). • Guidance into truth: ensuring that the apostles’ message stays aligned with Jesus’ words (v. 13). This becomes the backbone of the New Testament. Convicting the World (vv. 8-11) • Sin: “because they do not believe in Me.” Unbelief is the core wrong (John 3:18-19). • Righteousness: proved when Jesus goes to the Father—His resurrection and ascension display heaven’s verdict that He is righteous (Acts 2:32-33). • Judgment: Satan already stands condemned (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14). Every smaller tyranny is living on borrowed time. ‘Little While’ and Resurrection Joy Jesus speaks of a brief gap the disciples cannot yet grasp (vv. 16-22). The phrase covers the three-day span between cross and resurrection. Isaiah 66:7-9 uses childbirth as a picture of sudden joy after pain, matching Jesus’ illustration. The empty tomb delivers the promised reversal: “You sorrowful—now rejoice” (see John 20:20). Prayer in Jesus’ Name (vv. 23-24, 26-27) • New access: “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” • Not a magic formula, but alignment with Jesus’ character and mission. • Hebrews 4:14-16 underscores the same welcome: “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Peace Amid Tribulation (v. 33) • The contrast: “In Me—peace; in the world—trouble.” • His victory is stated before the cross, showing certainty. Compare 1 John 5:4-5, where overcoming the world is linked to faith in Jesus. • Practical courage: Acts 4:23-31 records believers praying for boldness after arrest, exactly the scenario Jesus envisioned. Connections to Earlier Scripture • Isaiah 11:2 and 42:1 describe the Spirit resting on the Messiah; John 16 shows the Spirit moving from Messiah to followers. • Jeremiah 31:33-34 foretells God writing His law on hearts—fulfilled as the Spirit teaches (v. 13). • Psalm 16:10 promises the Holy One will not see decay; resurrection in John 20 seals it and validates the joy promise here. Links Forward into Acts and the Letters • Acts 2: The Spirit arrives, convicts the crowd (2:37), and adds three thousand believers—direct fulfillment of 16:8. • Romans 8:15-16: The Spirit testifies that we are God’s children, echoing “the Father Himself loves you” (v. 27). • 2 Timothy 4:16-18: Paul, abandoned by friends yet rescued by the Lord, mirrors 16:32-33. Archaeological Note: Roman Execution and Burial Crucifixion victims were often left unburied, but Jesus was placed in a rock-cut tomb (John 19:38-42). First-century tombs at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb area match the Gospel descriptions. The secure burial underscores the miracle when the tomb is empty, guaranteeing the “little while” timeline. Practical Application—Courage and Joy 1. Expect hostility but do not stumble. 2. Lean on the Spirit’s inner charge; He outlasts all opposition. 3. Trade panic for prayer “in His name,” assured of the Father’s welcome. 4. Celebrate a joy that no loss can steal, grounded in the risen Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Acts 1:8 The empowerment of the Holy Spirit for witnessing. Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit's role in interceding for believers. Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoicing in the Lord and finding peace in Him. 1 John 5:4-5 Faith as the victory that overcomes the world. Teaching Points The Promise of the Holy Spirit Jesus assures His disciples that it is for their benefit that He goes away, for only then will the Advocate come (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The Role of the Holy Spirit The Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). This highlights the Spirit's active role in revealing truth and guiding believers. Sorrow Turned to Joy Jesus acknowledges the sorrow His disciples will feel at His departure but promises that their grief will turn to joy (John 16:20-22). This joy is rooted in the resurrection and the eternal hope it brings. Overcoming the World Jesus concludes with a powerful declaration: In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing victory through Christ. Practical Applications Rely on the Holy Spirit In times of uncertainty, seek the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Trust that He will lead you into truth and provide the strength you need. Embrace Joy in Trials Remember that sorrow is temporary and that joy comes in the morning. Focus on the eternal perspective and the hope of resurrection. Take Courage in Christ's Victory When facing challenges, remind yourself of Jesus' victory over the world. Let this truth empower you to live boldly and confidently. People 1. Jesus Jesus is the central figure in John 16, delivering a discourse to His disciples. He speaks about His impending departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the challenges His followers will face. In the original Greek, His name is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. The Holy Spirit (Paraclete) Referred to as the "Advocate" or "Helper" in John 16:7, the Holy Spirit is promised by Jesus to guide, comfort, and convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Greek term used is παράκλητος (paraklētos), which can mean advocate, counselor, or helper. 3. The Father God the Father is mentioned by Jesus as the one who sent Him and to whom He will return. The relationship between Jesus and the Father is central to the discourse, emphasizing the divine mission and unity. In Greek, the term used is πατήρ (patēr). 4. The Disciples The disciples are the immediate audience of Jesus' discourse. They are described as those who will face persecution and sorrow but will ultimately experience joy through the work of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus. The Greek term for disciples is μαθηταί (mathētai), meaning learners or followers. Places John 16 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. The chapter primarily focuses on Jesus' teachings to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, the sorrow they will experience, and the joy that will follow. Since there are no specific locations mentioned in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further information on a different topic, feel free to ask! Events 1. Warning of Persecution (John 16:1-4) Jesus warns His disciples about the coming persecution, stating, "They will put you out of the synagogues; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God" (John 16:2). The Greek word for "service" here is "λατρεία" (latreia), which often refers to religious worship or service. 2. The Work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15) Jesus explains the role of the Holy Spirit, saying, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Greek term "παράκλητος" (parakletos) is used for the Holy Spirit, meaning advocate or helper. 3. Sorrow Will Turn to Joy (John 16:16-24) Jesus tells His disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy, using the metaphor of a woman in labor: "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy" (John 16:20). The Greek word "λύπη" (lypē) is used for sorrow, indicating deep emotional pain. 4. Speaking Plainly About the Father (John 16:25-28) Jesus promises to speak plainly about the Father, saying, "In that day you will ask in My name" (John 16:26). The Greek word "παρρησία" (parrēsia) is used for speaking plainly, meaning openness or boldness. 5. The Disciples’ Belief and Jesus’ Prediction of Their Scattering (John 16:29-32) The disciples express their belief, and Jesus predicts their scattering: "Behold, the hour is coming, and has already come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home" (John 16:32). The Greek word "σκορπίζω" (skorpizō) means to scatter or disperse. 6. Peace in Jesus (John 16:33) Jesus concludes with a message of peace, saying, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The Greek word "θλῖψις" (thlipsis) is used for tribulation, indicating pressure or distress. Lessons from John 16 1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit In John 16, Jesus assures His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who will guide them into all truth. This promise is a reminder that we are never alone in our journey of faith. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, providing wisdom and comfort. As Jesus said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Embrace this divine guidance in your daily life, trusting that the Spirit will illuminate your path. 2. The Reality of Persecution Jesus candidly warns His followers about the challenges they will face, including persecution. "In this world you will have trouble," He says, but He also offers reassurance: "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This lesson teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that trials are part of the Christian journey, yet victory is assured through Christ. 3. The Joy of Resurrection The chapter highlights the sorrow the disciples will experience at Jesus' departure, but it also promises the joy that will follow His resurrection. "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy" (John 16:20). This transformation from sorrow to joy is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in the resurrection, a hope that transcends all earthly troubles. 4. The Power of Prayer Jesus encourages His disciples to pray in His name, promising that their requests will be heard. "Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you" (John 16:23). This is an invitation to deepen our prayer life, approaching God with confidence and faith, knowing that He listens and responds to our needs. 5. The Assurance of Peace In a world filled with chaos, Jesus offers His peace to His followers. "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Christ. Let this divine peace guard your heart and mind, providing calm amidst life's storms. 6. The Importance of Understanding Jesus speaks plainly to His disciples, emphasizing the importance of understanding His teachings. "Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language" (John 16:25). This lesson encourages us to seek clarity and understanding in our study of Scripture, allowing God's Word to transform our lives. 7. The Certainty of Jesus' Return Jesus' words in John 16 point to His eventual return, a cornerstone of Christian hope. While He prepares His disciples for His departure, He also assures them of His return. This certainty fuels our faith and motivates us to live with purpose, eagerly anticipating the day when we will be united with Him. 8. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conviction The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. "When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). This conviction is essential for leading people to repentance and faith in Christ, underscoring the Spirit's vital work in the world. 9. The Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus' words in John 16 fulfill Old Testament prophecies and affirm His identity as the Messiah. This fulfillment strengthens our faith, reminding us that God's promises are trustworthy and His plans are perfect. As we see prophecy unfold, our confidence in God's sovereignty and faithfulness grows. 10. The Call to Endurance Finally, John 16 calls us to endure in our faith, even when faced with difficulties. Jesus' encouragement to His disciples to remain steadfast is a timeless lesson for all believers. "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). Let this call to endurance inspire you to persevere, knowing that your faith is anchored in the One who has overcome the world. Topics 1. The Work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:1-15) Jesus prepares His disciples for the coming persecution and the role of the Holy Spirit. He explains that the Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Greek word for "Helper" (Parakletos) in verse 7 refers to the Holy Spirit as an advocate or counselor. 2. Sorrow Will Turn to Joy (John 16:16-24) Jesus speaks of His impending departure and return, using the metaphor of a woman in labor to describe the disciples' coming sorrow and subsequent joy. The Greek term "mikron" (translated as "a little while") emphasizes the temporary nature of their sorrow. 3. Overcoming the World (John 16:25-33) Jesus concludes with a promise of peace and victory over the world. He reassures the disciples that despite tribulations, they can have peace in Him because He has overcome the world. The Greek word "thlipsis" (translated as "tribulation") indicates pressure or distress, which believers will face but can overcome through Christ. Themes 1. The Role of the Holy Spirit Jesus speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the "Advocate" or "Helper" (Greek: παράκλητος, parakletos). The Holy Spirit will guide the disciples into all truth, convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-13). 2. Persecution and Suffering Jesus warns His disciples about the persecution they will face for His name's sake. He tells them that they will be put out of synagogues and that those who kill them will think they are offering a service to God (John 16:1-4). 3. Joy Through Sorrow Jesus uses the metaphor of a woman in labor to describe how the disciples' sorrow will turn into joy. This theme highlights the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection and the joy it brings (John 16:20-22). 4. The Promise of Peace Jesus assures His disciples of the peace they will have in Him despite the tribulations in the world. He encourages them to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). 5. The Disciples' Relationship with the Father Jesus emphasizes the direct relationship the disciples will have with the Father through prayer in His name. This theme underscores the new access to God that believers have through Jesus (John 16:23-27). 6. Understanding and Belief Jesus acknowledges the disciples' growing understanding and belief in Him, even as He prepares them for His departure. This theme reflects the development of faith and comprehension among the disciples (John 16:29-31). Prayer Points Thanksgiving for the Holy Spirit Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides and comforts us. Strength in Trials Pray for the strength to endure trials with joy, trusting in God's ultimate plan. Courage to Overcome Ask for courage to face the world's challenges, standing firm in the victory of Christ. Guidance in Truth Seek the Spirit's guidance in understanding and living out God's truth in daily life. As we reflect on John 16, may we be encouraged by the presence of the Holy Spirit, find joy in the midst of trials, and stand firm in the victory that Christ has secured for us. Answering Tough Questions 1. In John 16:7, how can we reconcile the promise of the Holy Spirit’s guiding presence with the lack of verifiable, scientific evidence for such a being? 2. Why, according to John 16:13, do Christians still disagree on key doctrines if the Spirit is supposed to guide believers into “all truth”? 3. In John 16:23, how do we explain unanswered prayers despite Jesus’ assurance that believers will receive what they ask in his name? 4. When Jesus says in John 16:16 that his followers “will see” him after “a little while,” why has the second coming not happened given nearly two thousand years have passed? 5. How does the promise of peace in John 16:33 align with the ongoing conflicts and turmoil seen in nations identifying as Christian? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do Jesus' warnings about future persecutions prepare us for the challenges of being His followers? 2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding us into all truth according to Jesus' discourse in this chapter? 3. How does the promise of sorrow turned into joy offer hope in your personal life circumstances? 4. In what ways does Jesus' victory over the world encourage you in your faith journey? 5. How does praying in Jesus' name influence your prayer life and expectations of answered prayers? 6. How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? 7. What does it mean for you that Jesus has overcome the world? 8. How can the promise of the Holy Spirit help you navigate difficult situations in your life? 9. How does Jesus' teaching about prayer in this chapter influence your understanding and practice of prayer? 10. How can Jesus' words about His victory over the world offer comfort and hope in the current state of world affairs? 11. How do you interpret Jesus' teaching that the disciples' sorrow will turn into joy in your personal and spiritual life? 12. In what ways does the reality of persecution challenge your commitment to Christ? 13. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit guide your approach to understanding truth and making decisions? 14. How does the transformation of sorrow into joy apply in your current life situation? 15. How does the teaching about prayer in Jesus' name shape your expectations of God's response to your prayers? 16. How does Jesus' proclamation of peace amidst tribulation provide comfort in your personal life? 17. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit impact your understanding of God's continued presence and guidance in your life? 18. How can the understanding of Jesus' victory over the world shape your perspective on challenges and struggles? 19. How can Jesus' teachings about the coming persecution inform your response to hostility or rejection due to your faith? 20. How does Jesus' assurance that He has overcome the world inspire your approach to overcoming challenges in your life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions