John 16:5-11
Chapter 16
5
but now I am going to the one who sent me, and none of you asks me, Where are you going?
6
The Work of the Spirit
Instead, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.
7
Believe me, it is better for you that I go away because as long as I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8
And when he comes, he will vindicate the truth before a sinful world; and he will vindicate the paths of righteousness and judgment:
9
about sin, because they do not believe in me;
10
about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, and you will no longer see me;
11
about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
Commentaries
The Testimony of the Spirit and the Disciples
The disciples are not alone or abandoned; the Spirit will strengthen them in their decision, since he will testify about Jesus and motivate them to testify about the Master as well: “so that they may not fail” (16:1). The evangelist mentions expulsion from the synagogue (16:2), a common situation for the Johannine community, and a distortion of God’s worship: “the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God” (16:2), as was the case with Paul (Acts 26:9-11).
The Work of the Spirit
A deep sadness overwhelms the disciples when they realize that Jesus is leaving. However, Jesus comforts them with the promise of the Spirit, who will confirm and strengthen their faith during times of crisis and persecution. The Spirit will deliver his verdict against the world for three reasons: 1. Because of sin—specifically, lack of faith or infidelity. Not believing in Jesus as the Son of God is the greatest sin in the fourth Gospel. 2. Because of justice—since Jesus’ exaltation on the cross is a triumph. Jesus’ return to the Father is a reward and victory. It also functions as legal justice, pronouncing and establishing the final judgment—the sentence against the guilty world. 3. Because of judgment—a judgment that becomes condemnation because it is disproportionate to the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ.