---
title: "Clarke"
description: "Verse John 16:1. These things have I spoken — Particularly what is mentioned in the two last chapters. Be offended. — Ἱνα μη σκανδαλισθητε, That ye shoul"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/john/16"
---

Verse [John 16:1](../../../kjv/john/16/1). ***These things have I spoken*** — Particularly what is mentioned in the two last chapters.
***Be offended.*** — Ἱνα μη σκανδαλισθητε, *That ye should not be* *stumbled*. May not fall away from the faith, nor receive any injury to your souls, as that man does to his body who *stumbles*, or falls over a *stone*, or *block*, in the way which he has not discovered.

Verse [John 16:2](../../../kjv/john/16/2). ***They shall put you out of the synagogues*** — They will *excommunicate* you, and consider you as execrable, and utterly unworthy to hold any commerce with God by religion; or with man by civil fellowship. [John 9:22](../../../kjv/john/9/22); [John 9:22](../../../kjv/john/9/22). In these excommunications they were spoiled of all their substance, see [Ezra 10:8](../../../kjv/ezra/10/8), and see also [Hebrews 10:34](../../../kjv/hebrews/10/34), and deprived of their character, their influence, and every necessary of life. Though the Jewish people had the most humane laws, yet they were a most vindictive and cruel people.
***That whosoever killeth you***, c.] This Paul found for more than forty Jews bound themselves under a curse that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed *him*, [Acts 23:12-13](../../../kjv/acts/23/12-13); and agreeably to this, it is said, in that Tract of the *Talmud* which is entitled *Bammidbar*, R. xxi. ad. [Numbers 25:13](../../../kjv/numbers/25/13); [Numbers 25:13](../../../kjv/numbers/25/13): "He who sheds the blood of the ungodly, is equal to him who brings an offering to God." What the Zealots did is notorious in history. They butchered any person, in cold blood, who, they pretended to believe, was an enemy to God, to the law, or to Moses; and thought *they* were fulfilling the will of God by these human sacrifices. We had the same kind of sacrifices here in the time of our Popish Queen Mary. May God ever save our state from the *Stuarts*!

Verse [John 16:3](../../../kjv/john/16/3). ***Because they have not known the Father*** — [John 15:25](../../../kjv/john/15/25); [John 15:25](../../../kjv/john/15/25). *Ignorance* of the *benevolence* of GOD, and of the *philanthropy* of CHRIST, is the grand fountain whence all religious persecution and intolerance proceed.

Verse [John 16:4](../../../kjv/john/16/4). ***At the beginning*** — I would not trouble you by speaking of these things pointedly at first, when I chose you to be my disciples, but have referred them to the present time, lest you should be discouraged; and now only declare them because it is absolutely necessary that you should be put upon your guard.

Verse [John 16:5](../../../kjv/john/16/5). ***None of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?*** — In [John 13:3](../../../kjv/john/13/3), Peter had asked, *Lord, thither goest thou*? - and Thomas much the same in [John 14:5](../../../kjv/john/14/5), both of whom had received an answer. But now, at the time when Jesus was speaking this, none of them asked this question, because their hearts were filled with sorrow: [John 16:6](../../../kjv/john/16/6).

Verse [John 16:7](../../../kjv/john/16/7). ***It is expedient - that I go away*** — In other places he had showed them the absolute necessity of his death for the salvation of men: see [Matthew 20:19](../../../kjv/matthew/20/19); [Matthew 26:2](../../../kjv/matthew/26/2); [Mark 9:31](../../../kjv/mark/9/31); [Mark 10:33](../../../kjv/mark/10/33), [Luke 9:44](../../../kjv/luke/9/44); [Luke 18:32](../../../kjv/luke/18/32). This he does not repeat here, but shows them that, by the order of God, the Holy Spirit cannot come to them, nor to the world, unless he first die; and consequently men cannot be saved but in this way.

Verse [John 16:8](../../../kjv/john/16/8). ***He will reprove*** — ελεγξει, He will *demonstrate* these matters so *clearly* as to leave no doubt on the minds of those who are simple of heart; and so fully as to confound and shut the mouths of those who are gainsayers. See [Acts 2:1](../../../kjv/acts/2/1), c.
***The world*** — The Jewish nation first, and afterwards the Gentile world for his influences shall not be confined to one people, place, or time.

Verse [John 16:9](../../../kjv/john/16/9). ***Of sin*** — Of the sin of the Jews in not receiving me as the Messiah, though my mission was accredited by the very miracles which the prophets foretold: see [Isaiah 35:3-6](../../../kjv/isaiah/35/3-6). This was literally fulfilled on the day of pentecost, when the Spirit was given; for multitudes of Jews were then convinced of this sin, and converted to God. See [Acts 2:37](../../../kjv/acts/2/37).
If we take this prediction of our Lord in a more general sense, then we may consider that it is one of the grand offices of the Holy Spirit *to convince of sin*, to show men what sin is, to demonstrate to them that they *are* sinners, and to show the necessity of an *atonement* for sin; and in this sense the phrase, περι αμαρτιας, may be understood, and in this sense it is used in multitudes of places in the Septuagint, but the words, *because* *they believe not in me*, restrict the meaning particularly to the *sin* of the *Jews* in rejecting Jesus as the Messiah.

Verse [John 16:10](../../../kjv/john/16/10). ***Of righteousness*** — Of my *innocence* and *holiness*, because I go away to my Father; of which my resurrection from the dead, and my ascension to heaven, shall be complete proofs. Christ was treated by the Jews as an *impostor*; as a *magician*; as one *possessed by the devil*; as a *wicked person, seducer*, and *destroyer* of the *law*. His vindication from these charges he chiefly referred to the Holy Spirit, the *Advocate*, who, by his influences on the minds of the people, and by his eloquence and energy in the ministry of the apostles, convinced both the Jews and the Gentiles that the sentence of the Jewish rulers was *unjust* and *infamous*, and that the very person whom they had crucified was both *Lord* and *Christ - Lord*, the great governor of the universe; and *Christ*, the Lord's anointed, the promised *Messiah*. It was a matter of the utmost consequence to the Christian cause to have the *innocence* and *holiness* of its founder *demonstrated*, and the crime of the Jews in putting him to death made manifest to the world. This also has been literally fulfilled: the universe that has heard of him believes the righteousness and innocence of Jesus; and the Jews, his persecutors, are confounded and execrated throughout the habitable globe.

Verse [John 16:11](../../../kjv/john/16/11). ***Of judgment*** — Of the false judgment of the Jews in condemning the Lord Jesus, who, as some think, is intended here by *the ruler of this world*: see [John 14:30](../../../kjv/john/14/30). Others think that *Satan* is meant whose usurped power over the world was now to be greatly restrained, and by and by totally destroyed: see [John 12:31](../../../kjv/john/12/31); [Colossians 2:15](../../../kjv/colossians/2/15); [Revelation 11:15](../../../kjv/revelation/11/15); [Revelation 12:10-11](../../../kjv/revelation/12/10-11). Perhaps our Lord's meaning is, that as a most astonishing judgement, or punishment, was now about to fall upon the Jews, in consequence of their obstinate infidelity, the Holy Ghost, by the ministry of the apostles, should *demonstrate* that this judgment, severe as it might seem, was amply merited by this worst of all people; and may we not say that their continuance in the same crime sufficiently vindicates the judgment of God, not only in its being poured out upon them at *first*, but in *continuing* to pursue them?
It is necessary to observe that it was one office of the Spirit to convince of a *judgment to come*; and this he did particularly by the apostles, in declaring that God had appointed a day in which he would judge the world by him whom he had appointed for that purpose: [Acts 17:31](../../../kjv/acts/17/31). And we find that while Peter was asserting this doctrine at Caesarea, [Acts 10:42](../../../kjv/acts/10/42), the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Jews and the Gentiles which were present, [Acts 10:44](../../../kjv/acts/10/44), c., and many were converted unto the Lord.
One general exposition may be given of these three verses. The Holy Spirit will *convince the world of sin* committed, and guilt and condemnation thereby incurred. Of *righteousness*- of the necessity of being pardoned, and made righteous through the blood of the Lamb, who, after being offered up for sin, went to the Father, ever to appear in his presence as our intercessor: and of *judgment*- of the *great day* thereof, when none shall be able to stand but those whose *sins* are pardoned, and whose souls are made *righteous*. In all that our Lord says here, there seems to be an allusion to the office of an *advocate* in a cause, in a court of justice who, by producing witnesses, and pleading upon the proof, *convicts* the *opposite* party of *sin, demonstrates* the *righteousness* of his client, and shows the necessity of passing *judgment* upon the accuser.
The faith of the Gospel discovers unto us *three* different states of man: it shows him:
1. Under *sin*, in which there is nothing but infidelity towards God, because there is no faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Under *grace*, in which sin is pardoned, and righteousness acquired by faith in Christ; who is gone to the Father to carry on, by his intercession, the great work of redemption.
3. In the *peace* and *glory* of *heaven*, where Christ will reign with his members; the devil, with his angels and servants, being banished into hell by the last *judgment*.
Thus, in the Christian revelation, we are made acquainted with *three* grand truths, which contain the sum and substance of all true religion.
The *first* is the general *corruption* of human nature, and the *reign* of sin till the coming of Christ.
The *second* is the *reparation* of our nature by the Lord Jesus, and the *reign* of *righteousness* by his grace: [Romans 5:21](../../../kjv/romans/5/21).
The *third* is the *condemnation* of sinners, and the total destruction of the kingdom of sin, and of all the power of the devil, by the last judgment.

Verse [John 16:12](../../../kjv/john/16/12). ***Ye cannot bear them now.*** — In illustration of these three points, Christ had many things to say; but he found that his disciples could only bear general truths; yet, in saying what he did, he sowed the *seeds* of the whole system of theological knowledge, and heavenly wisdom, which the Holy Spirit of this truth afterwards *watered* and *ripened* into a glorious *harvest* of light and salvation, by the ministry of the apostles. Dr. Lightfoot supposes that the things which the apostles could not bear now were such as these:
1. The institution of the Christian Sabbath, and the abolition of the Jewish.
2. The rejection of the whole Jewish nation, at the very time in which they expected to be set up and established for ever.
3. The entire change of the whole Mosaic dispensation, and the bringing the Gentiles into the Church of God.

Verse [John 16:13](../../../kjv/john/16/13). ***He will guide you*** — He will consider your feeble infant state; and, as a father leads his child by the hand, so will the Holy Spirit lead and guide you.
The *Vulgate*, and some copies of the *Itala*, read, *He will TEACH* *you all truth*; but this and *more* is implied in the word οδηγησει, *he will lead*; besides, this reading is not acknowledged by any *Greek* MS.
***He shall not speak of himself*** — He shall teach nothing contrary to what I have taught you:
***But whatsoever he shall hear*** — Of the Father and me, that *he* *shall speak*, and thus show the intimate consent between himself, the Father, and Christ. It is one conjoint testimony, in which the honour and glory of the holy Trinity, and man's salvation are equally concerned.
***And he will show you things to came.*** — He will fully explain every thing that may now appear dark or difficult to you; will give you such a knowledge of *futurity* as shall, in all necessary cases, enable you to foretell future events; and shall supply every requisite truth, in order to make the new covenant revelation *complete* and *perfect*.

Verse [John 16:15](../../../kjv/john/16/15). ***All things that the Father hath are mine*** — If Christ had not been equal to God, could he have said this without blasphemy?
***And show*****it*****unto you.*** — As Christ is represented the *Ambassador* of the Father, so the Holy Spirit is represented the *ambassador* of the Son, coming vested with his authority, as the interpreter and executor of *his* will.

Verse [John 16:16](../../../kjv/john/16/16). ***A little while*** — He had but a few hours to live.
***And ye shall not see me*** — I shall be hidden from your view in the grave.
***Again a little while*** — In three days after my death:
***Ye shall see me*** — I will rise again, and show myself to you. Or, As I am going by my ascension to the Father, in a short time, ye shall see me personally no more; but in a little while I shall pour out my Spirit upon you, and others through your ministry; and ye shall see me *virtually* in the great and wonderful work which shall then take place in the hearts and lives of men.
This may also refer to his coming again to destroy the Jewish state, and also to judge the world; but how can this *latter* be said to be in a *little while*? Because a thousand years are but as a day in the sight of God: [Psalms 90:4](../../../kjv/psalms/90/4).

Verse [John 16:18](../../../kjv/john/16/18). ***What is this that he saith*** — They knew from what he had said that he was to die, but knew not what he meant by their seeing him again in a little time.

Verse [John 16:20](../../../kjv/john/16/20). ***Ye shall weep and lament*** — To see me crucified and laid in the grave.
***But the world shall rejoice*** — The chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and persecuting Jews in general, will triumph, hoping that their bad cause is crowned with success.
***But your sorrow shall be turned into joy.*** — When ye see me risen from the dead.
It is very evident that our Lord uses the word *world*, in several parts of this discourse of his, to signify the *unbelieving* and *rebellious Jews*.

Verse [John 16:21](../../../kjv/john/16/21). ***For joy that a man is born*** — ανθρωπος is put here for a *human creature*, whether *male* or *female*; as *homo* among the Romans denoted either *man* or *woman*.

Verse 22. ***Your joy no man taketh from you.*** — Or, *shall take away*. Some excellent MSS. and versions read the verb in the *future* tense. Our Lord's meaning appears to have been this: that his resurrection should be so *completely demonstrated* to them, that they should never have a doubt concerning it; and consequently that their joy should be great and permanent, knowing that the atonement was made, the victory gained, and the kingdom of heaven opened to all believers. Therefore it is said, [Acts 4:33](../../../kjv/acts/4/33), *that with great power did the apostles give witness of the* *resurrection of the Lord Jesus*.

Verse 23. ***Ye shall ask me nothing.*** — Ye shall then be led, by that Spirit which guides into all truth, to consider *me* in the character of *Mediator* in the kingdom of God, and to address your prayers to the Father *in my name*- in the name of *Jesus* the *Saviour*, because I have died to *redeem* you - in the name of Christ the *Anointer*, because I have ascended to send down the gift of the *Holy Ghost*.

Verse 24. ***Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name*** — Ye have not as yet considered me the great *Mediator* between God and man; but this is one of the truths which shall be *more fully revealed* to you by the Holy Spirit.
***Ask*** — In my name; and *ye shall receive*-all the salvation ye thus request; the consequence of which shall be that *your joy shall be* *full*-ye shall be thoroughly *happy* in being made completely *holy*.

Verse 25. ***In Proverbs*** — That is, words which, besides their plain, literal meaning, have another, viz. a spiritual or figurative one. I have represented heavenly things to you through the medium of earthly.
***The time cometh*** — viz. the interval from his resurrection to his ascension, which consisted of forty days, during which he instructed his disciples in the most sublime mysteries and truths of his kingdom. [Acts 1:3](../../../kjv/acts/1/3).

Verse 26. ***I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for**********you*** — I need not tell you that I will continue your intercessor: I have given you already so many proofs of my love that ye cannot possibly doubt this: besides, the Father himself needs no entreaty to do you good, for he *loves you*, and is graciously disposed to save you to the uttermost, because *ye have loved me and believed* *in me as coming from God*, for the salvation of the world.

Verse 28. ***I came forth from the Father*** — With whom I existed from eternity in glory.
***Am come into the world*** — By my incarnation.
***I leave the world*** — By my death.
***And go to the Father.*** — By my ascension. These four words contain the whole economy of the Gospel of man's salvation, and a consummate *abridgment* of the Christian faith. This gave the disciples a *key* to the whole of our Lord's discourse; and especially to that part, [John 16:16](../../../kjv/john/16/16), that had so exceedingly embarrassed them, as appears by [John 16:17-18](../../../kjv/john/16/17-18).

Verse 29. ***Lo, now speakest thou plainly*** — The disciples received more light now, on the nature of Christ's person and office, than they had ever done before.

Verse [John 16:30](../../../kjv/john/16/30). ***Now are we sure that thou knowest all things*** — Is not the following the meaning of the disciples? We believe that thou art not only the *Messiah who camest out from God*, but that thou art that *God* who *searchest* the *heart* and *triest* the *reins*, and *needest not to be asked* in order to make thee acquainted with the necessities of thy creatures; for thou perfectly knowest their wants, and art infinitely disposed to relieve them.

Verse [John 16:31](../../../kjv/john/16/31). ***Do ye now believe?*** — And will ye continue to believe? Ye are now fully convinced; and will ye in the hour of trial retain your conviction, and prove faithful and steady?

Verse [John 16:32](../../../kjv/john/16/32). ***The hour cometh*** — Ye shall shortly have need of all the faith ye profess: ye now believe me to be the *Omniscient*; but ye will find difficulty to maintain this faith when ye see me seized, condemned, and crucified as a malefactor. Yea, your faith will be then so shaken that ye shall run away, each striving to save himself at his *own home*, or among his *kindred*.

Verse [John 16:33](../../../kjv/john/16/33). ***That in me ye might have peace.*** — I give you this warning as another proof that I know *all things*, and to the end that ye may look to me alone for peace and happiness. The peace of God is ever to be understood as including all possible blessedness - light, strength, comfort, support, a sense of the Divine favour, unction of the Holy Spirit, purification of heart, c., c., and all these to be enjoyed *in Christ*.
***In the world ye shall have tribulation*** — Or, as most of the very best MSS. read, εχετε, *ye have*- the tribulation is *at hand* ye are just about to be plunged into it.
***But be of good cheer*** — Do not despond on account of what I have said: the world shall not be able to overcome you, how severely soever it may try you.
***I have overcome the world.*** — I am just now going by my death to put it and its god to the rout.
My apparent *weakness* shall be my *victory* my *ignominy* shall be my *glory*; and the victory which the world, the devil, and my adversaries in general, shall appear to gain over me, shall be their own lasting defeat, and my eternal triumph. - *Fear not*!
*Luther* writing to *Philip Melancthon*, quotes this verse, and adds these remarkable words: "Such a saying as this is worthy to be carried from Rome to Jerusalem upon one's knees."
ONE of the grand subjects in this chapter, the *mediation of* *Christ*, is but little understood by most Christians. Christ having made an atonement for the sin of the world, has ascended to the right hand of the Father, and there he appears in the presence of God for us. In approaching the throne of grace, we keep Jesus as our sacrificial victim, continually in view: our prayers should be directed *through* him to the Father; and, under the conviction that his passion and death have purchased every possible blessing for us, we should, with humble confidence, ask the blessings we need; and, as in him the Father is ever well pleased, we should most confidently expect the blessings he has purchased. We may consider, also, that his appearance before the throne, in his sacrificial character, constitutes the great principle of mediation or intercession. He has taken our nature into heaven; in that he appears before the throne: this, without a voice, speaks loudly for the sinful race of Adam, for whom it was assumed, and on whose account it was sacrificed. On these grounds every penitent and every believing soul may ask and receive, and their joy be complete. By the *sacrifice* of Christ we approach God; through the *mediation* of Christ God comes down to man.

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