John 16:1
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.Matthew 13:21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.John 16:4But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.Matthew 24:10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion (c. AD 30), during the farewell discourse. Within decades, Jewish Christians would face synagogue excommunication (John 9:22, 12:42), and within a generation, persecution from both Jewish authorities and Roman officials would intensify, culminating in Nero's persecution (AD 64) and beyond.
Questions for Reflection
- What potential 'offenses' or stumbling blocks in your spiritual life might Jesus be warning you about through His Word?
- How does Jesus's prophetic forewarning of trials demonstrate His love and strengthen your faith during difficult seasons?
- In what ways can you prepare yourself spiritually to remain faithful when facing opposition for Christ's sake?
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Analysis & Commentary
That ye should not be offended (ἵνα μὴ σκανδαλισθῆτε, hina mē skandalisthēte)—Jesus warns disciples to prevent them from stumbling or falling away. The verb skandalizō means to cause to sin or apostatize, derived from skandalon (a trap-stick, snare). Christ's forewarning serves as spiritual inoculation against persecution.
The phrase these things have I spoken (ταῦτα λελάληκα, tauta lelalēka) uses the perfect tense, emphasizing the lasting significance of His teaching. Jesus knew that unprepared disciples facing violent persecution would be vulnerable to apostasy. By revealing future trials beforehand, He transforms potential stumbling blocks into testimonies of His prophetic foreknowledge and loving pastoral care.