Clarke's Bible Commentary - John 16:1
Verse 1. These things have I spoken] Particularly what is mentioned in the two last chapters. Be offended.] ina mh skandalisqhte, That ye should not be stumbled. May not fall away from the faith, nor receive any injury to your souls, as that man does to his body who stumbles, or falls over a stone, or block, in the way which he has not discovered.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 1. These things have I spoken unto you , etc.] Concerning the world’s hatred and persecution of them, and the little regard they would show to their doctrine: these things Christ thought, proper to give them notice of before hand, that expecting them, they might be prepared for them, and be fortified against them; that , says he, ye should not be offended : his view in speaking of them, was not to discourage them, but to prevent their stumbling at them, and falling by them. Hardships coming upon persons at unawares, bear the harder upon their spirits, and they are more apt to take offence at them and be impatient under them, which is prevented by previous intimation: had Christ said nothing of these things that should befall his disciples, they might have surprised them, and have been a stumbling to them; and might have tempted them to have relinquished their profession of him, and dropped their ministerial work; whereas being apprized of them before hand, they were not so shocking to them. This shows the tender concern of Christ for his disciples, how careful he was to remove, every occasion of stumbling, or what might be matter of offence to them; and may teach us to act in such like manner towards one another, in this, or any other case.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Our Lord Jesus, by giving his disciples notice of trouble, designe that the terror might not be a surprise to them. It is possible for those who are real enemies to God's service, to pretend zeal for it This does not lessen the sin of the persecutors; villanies will neve be changed by putting the name of God to them. As Jesus in his sufferings, so his followers in theirs, should look to the fulfillin of Scripture. He did not tell them sooner, because he was with them to teach, guide, and comfort them; they needed not then this promise of the Holy Spirit's presence. It will silence us to ask, Whence trouble come? It will satisfy us to ask, Whither go they? for we know they wor for good. It is the common fault and folly of melancholy Christians to look only on the dark side of the cloud, and to turn a deaf ear to the voice of joy and gladness. That which filled the disciples' hearts with sorrow, was too great affection for this present life. Nothing mor hinders our joy in God, than the love of the world, and the sorrow of the world which comes from it.
Greek Textus Receptus
ταυτα 5023 D-APN λελαληκα 2980 5758 V-RAI-1S υμιν 5213 P-2DP ινα 2443 CONJ μη 3361 PRT-N σκανδαλισθητε 4624 5686 V-APS-2P
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. Be offended (skandalisqhte) Rev., made to stumble. In this Gospel only here and vi. 61. See on Matt. v. 29. Wyc, be not slandered.
