Study
32 From the Book of John: John 15:26 – 15:15
- What evidence do you find in 16:1-7 that the disciples were cast down by Jesus words? Why did He say that He had not spoken of these things before, and why He speak of them now? Notice, however, that He did not lighten in any way the dark picture He had drawn, but rather shaded it more deeply (16:2)
- What new force, does Jesus say, will be brought to bear upon the world, and through whom (see 15; 26, 27)? What threefold result will follow (16: 8-11)? How would this make Jesus's departure an advantage instead of a loss?
- What results ought this situation to have upon the disciples (a) in their dependence on the Holy Spirit, and (b) in the place of the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ in their thinking? Is this true of us? See 16:14, 15.
Notes
- 16:2. 'Put you out of the synagogues' see note on 12:42.
- 16: 5. The questions of Thomas (14:5) and Peter (13:36, 37) concerned their own following of Jesus. No-one was now asking about the glory to which Christ was going in His return to the Father.
- 16:8-11. The Holy Spirit will convince men of their false standards of sin, righteousness and judgment (cf Is. 55:8, 9). He will show them that the essence of sin is unbelief in Christ; that true righteousness is not that of the Pharisees (works of the law) but the righteousness seen in Christ, and declared in the gospel; and that judgment awaits all who follow the ruler of this world. At Pentecost the heavens were convinced by the Spirit 's witness through the apostles, exactly as Jesus says here.
- 16:13. 'Declare to you the things that are to come': i.e, interpret the significance of Christ's impending crucifixion and resurrection, as well as other divine actions.
