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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 16:4

Verse 4 4.That when the hour cometh, you may remember. He repeats what he had already said, that this is not a philosophy fitted only for a season of leisure, but that it is adapted to practice and use, and that he now discourses on these matters, that they may actually demonstrate that they have not been taught in vain. When he says, that you may remember, he enjoins them, first, to lay up in their minds what they have heard; secondly, to remember them, when they shall be required to put them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 16:1-4

A warning of future persecutions. Having spoken of the guilt of the persecutors, our Lord refers now to the sufferings of the disciples. I. THE DESIGN OF THE WARNING . "These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not be offended." 1. The obstinate unbelief of the Jews would be not only a great surprise to the apostles , but a profound disappointment . They always lived in the expectation of a national conversion of Israel. 2. It was therefore necessary... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 16:1-6

(c) The bitter issues of the hostility of the world . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 16:2-3

They (used impersonally, as the German man , or the French ou ) shall make you excommunicate — ἀποσυναγώγους "put you out of the synagogue," expel you from the fellowship of your country's worship (cf. John 9:22 and John 12:42 )— nay, further (the ἀλλὰ abruptly introduces a very much stronger assertion) an hour cometh, that — ἵνα is here, by Meyer and many others, said to involve a Divine order, purpose, or destiny, intended by the drawing on of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 16:2-3

Persecution foreseen and foretold. The great aim of the Lord Jesus, in his final conversations with his apostles, was to convince them of their perfect union with himself. They were the branches of the living vine; they were his beloved and confidential friends. Were these revelations made merely to assure them of privilege, merely to make them happy in the consciousness of an honorable and inseparable relation? Certainly not. This spiritual fellowship was to be the power for holy service... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 16:4

But —the ἀλλὰ suggests a kind of pause, as if he had said, "I will go into no further details" (Meyer)— these things —these prophecies of approaching persecution— I have spoken to you, that (here ἵνα has its proper relic force) when [ their ] hour is come, ye may remember [ them ] how that I told you . £ This awkward form is that due to the perplexities of the position of αὐτῶν in the text. Frequently our Lord thus prepared his disciples for the future, called... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 16:2

Out of the synagogues - See the notes at John 9:22. They would excommunicate them from their religious assemblies. This was often done. Compare Acts 6:13-14; Acts 9:23-24; Acts 17:5; Acts 21:27-31.Whosoever killeth you - This refers principally to the Jews. It is also true of the Gentiles, that in their persecution of Christians they supposed they were rendering acceptable service to their gods.God’s service - The Jews who persecuted the apostles regarded them as blasphemers, and as seeking to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 16:4

These things - These things which are about to happen, John 16:1-2. He had foretold them that they would take place.Ye may remember ... - By calling to mind that he had foretold these things they would perceive that he was omniscient, and would remember, also, the consolations which he had afforded them and the instructions which he had given them. Had these calamities come upon them without their having been foretold, their faith might have failed; they might have been tempted to suppose that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 16:1-2

John 16:1-2. These things have I spoken, that you should not be offended I have informed you beforehand concerning the opposition which you are to expect from the world, and the proportionable supports which you will receive from the Holy Spirit, that you may not be discouraged in, or turned aside from, the path of your duty; by my leaving you, or by the troubles which you will meet with from my enemies and yours, whose rage will excite them to use all manner of violence and cruelty against... read more

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