161 "All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.

Other Translations of John 16:1

King James Version

161 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. offended: scandalized or, made to stumble

English Standard Version

161 "I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.

The Message

161 "I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead.

New King James Version

161 "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.

New Living Translation

161 "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 16:1

Commentary on John 16:1-6

(Read John 16:1-6)

Our Lord Jesus, by giving his disciples notice of trouble, designed 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 never be changed by putting the name of God to them. As Jesus in his sufferings, so his followers in theirs, should look to the fulfilling 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 troubles come? It will satisfy us to ask, Whither go they? for we know they work 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 more hinders our joy in God, than the love of the world, and the sorrow of the world which comes from it.