“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.”
King James Version (KJV)
16:2 The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think he doth God service - But, blessed be God, the time is so far past, that those who bear the name of Christ do not now generally suppose they do him service by killing each other for a difference in opinion or mode of worship.
16:3 They have not known the Father nor me - This is the true root of persecution in all its forms.
Joh 16:1 The Work of the Holy Spirit SUMMARY OF JOHN 16: Persecution Predicted. The Comforter to Come. He Will Reprove the World of Sin. He Will Reprove the World of Righteousness. He Will Reprove the World of Judgment. Will Guide into All Truth. Sorrow and Rejoicing. Overcoming the World. These things have I spoken. The warnings found in the 14th and 15th chapters. They were given beforehand lest they should stumble. To be forewarned would be a help to their faith amid the dark scenes of the next few days, and in the persecutions that would come later.