(1) Overview
(NET) There may have been a tendency for the disciples to expect immediately after Jesus’ victory over death the institution of the messianic kingdom, particularly in light of the turn of events recorded in the early chapters of Acts. Jesus here forestalls such disillusionment for the disciples by letting them know in advance that they will face persecution and even martyrdom as they seek to carry on his mission in the world after his departure.
v.4b “I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you.
When Jesus left the persecution would arise. The disciples were sad to hear that v.6. However, Jesus said the Holy Spirit will come to help them. His help is the kind that is more fundamental and will penetrate in people's hearts. The world thought that they were offering service to God when they killed the believers v.2, but now the Holy Spirit will prove the world wrong v.8-11.
(2) Difficult passage
16:8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment
(NET) [from v.9-11] Jesus is stating in each instance the reason why the world is proven guilty or wrong by the Spirit-Paraclete.
(NET) [from v.9-11] Jesus is stating in each instance the reason why the world is proven guilty or wrong by the Spirit-Paraclete.
16:9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
(NET) In 3:19 the effect of Jesus coming into the world as the Light of the world was to provoke judgment, by forcing people to choose up sides for or against him, and they chose darkness rather than light. In 12:37, at the very end of Jesus’ public ministry in John’s Gospel, people were still refusing to believe in him.
16:10 concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; (NET) The meaning of v. 10 is thus: When the Spirit-Paraclete comes he will prove the world wrong concerning the subject of righteousness, namely, Jesus’ righteousness which is demonstrated when he is glorified in his return to the Father and the disciples see him no more (but they will have instead the presence of the Spirit-Paraclete, whom the world is not able to receive).
16:11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
(NET) Jesus’ righteousness before the Father, as proven by his return to the Father, his glorification, constitutes a judgment against Satan...This does not mean that Satan does not continue to be active in the world, and to exercise some power over it...the judgment is not immediately executed. But it is certain.
Reflection: Will you be sad if you are one of the disciples hearing that you would face persecution? I will. Jesus did not promise us with no persecution today. He told us that, yes, we will have persecution and sufferings, but He had also sent us the Help, the Holy Spirit.
In other words, the plan for God was to convert these persecutors to be convicted by the Holy Spirit that they were wrong. Shall we pray for the will of God to be done?
The help of the Holy Spirit is His work of convicting the unbelievers: regarding their unbelief to Jesus, regarding their failure to see that Jesus came from the Father, and regarding their ruler, Satan, which was wrong. Let us pray for our evangelistic meeting tonight that the Holy Spirit will convict the unbelievers who will come.
Audrey
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