16:1 These 1 things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not
be offended.
(1) The ministers of the gospel must expect all types of
reproaches, not only by those who are open enemies, but
even by those also who seem to be of the same household,
and the very pillars of the Church.
16:72 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for
you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter
will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him
unto you.
(2) The absence of Christ according to the flesh is profitable
to the Church in that it causes the Church to be wholly
dependant upon his spiritual power.
16:83 And when he is come, he will a reprove the b world
of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
(3) The Spirit of God works so mightily by the preaching of the
word that he forces the world, whether or not it wants to,
to confess its own unrighteousness and Christ's
righteousness and almightiness.
(a) He will so reprove the world, that those of the world
will not be able to give any excuse.
(b) He refers to the time that followed his ascension, when
as all those opposed were manifestly reproved, through
the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Church:
so that the very enemies of Christ were reproved of
sin, in that they were forced to confess that they were
deceived, in that they believed not, and therefore they
said to Peter in (Ac 2:37), "Men and brethren, what
shall we do?"
16:10 Of c righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye
see me no more;
(c) Of Christ himself: for when the world will see that I
have poured out the Holy Spirit they will be forced to
confess that I was just, and was not condemned by my
Father when I went out of this world.
16:11 Of d judgment, e because the prince of this world is
judged.
(d) Of that authority and power which I have both in
heaven and in earth.
(e) That is, because they will then understand and indeed
know that I have overcome the devil, and govern the
world, and then all men will see that they set
themselves against you in vain, for I will arm you
with heavenly power by which you may destroy every
high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of
God; (2Co 10:5).
16:124 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot
bear them now.
(4) The doctrine of the apostles proceeded from the Holy
Spirit, and is most perfect.
16:145 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and
shall shew [it] unto you.
(5) The Holy Spirit brings no new doctrine, but teaches that
which was uttered by Christ's own mouth, and imprints it in
our minds.
16:166 A f little while, and ye shall not see me: and
again, a little while, and ye shall see me, g because I
go to the Father.
(6) The grace of the Holy Spirit is a most distinct mirror in
which Christ is truly beheld with the most sharp sighted
eyes of faith, and not with the blurred eyes of the flesh:
and by this we feel a continual joy even in the midst of
sorrows.
(f) When a little time is past.
(g) For I go on to eternal glory, so that I will be much
more present with you than I was before: for then you
will feel indeed what I am, and what I am able to do.
16:257 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but
the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in
proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
(7) The Holy Spirit, who was poured upon the apostles after the
ascension of Christ, instructed both them in all the
central mysteries and secrets of our salvation, and also
the Church by them, and he will also instruct the Church
until the end of the world.
16:268 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not
unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
(8) The sum of the worship of God is the invocation of the
Father in the name of the Son the mediator, who is already
heard for us, for whom he both abased himself, and is now
also glorified.
16:299 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou
plainly, and speakest no proverb.
(9) Faith and foolish security differ greatly.
16:3210 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye
shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave
me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is
with me.
(10) Neither the wickedness of the world, neither the weakness
of his own, can diminish anything of the virtue of Christ.
16:3311 These things I have spoken unto you, that h in me
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world.
(11) The surety and foundation of the Church depends only upon
the victory of Christ.
(h) That in me you might be thoroughly quieted. For by
"peace" is meant here that quiet state of mind which
is completely contrary to disquietness and great
sadness.
