The Tribulation Explained
John 16:1-6
These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended.


I. TRACED TO ITS CAUSE — ignorance. It is strange how differently Christ and man may view the same action. The Jews imagined they above all men were acquainted with the Father, and knew better than all the world beside what kind of service to present upon His altar. This was not the judgement of Christ.

II. CONDEMNED IN ITS CHARACTER. Though Christ ascribed their behaviour to ignorance, He does not say that for this they were not responsible, if they did not know the Father or Him they might have known (John 15:22).

III. COMMISERATED IN ITS ACTORS. One cannot help thinking Christ designed His words to awaken pity in the breasts of His persecuted followers, like that afterwards found in His own, when, hanging on the cross, He prayed for His murderers (Luke 23:34).

(T. Whitelaw,D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

WEB: "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.




The Fate of the First Disciples
Top of Page
Top of Page