John 16:4

But I have told you these things ¹  so that when their time ²  comes, you will remember that I told you about them. ³  “I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you. ⁴ 

Isa 41:22,23; Mt 9:15; Mt 10:7; Mt 24:25; Mr 2:19; Mr 13:23; Lu 21:12,13; Joh 13:19; Joh 14:29; Joh 17:12,13; Ac 9:16; Ac 20:23,24; 2Pe 1:14

¹ tn The first half of v. 4 resumes the statement of 16:1, ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν (tauta lelalhka Jumin), in a somewhat more positive fashion, omitting the reference to the disciples being caused to stumble.

² tn Grk “their hour.”

³ tn The words “about them” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.

⁴ sn This verse serves as a transition between the preceding discussion of the persecutions the disciples will face in the world after the departure of Jesus, and the following discussion concerning the departure of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit-Paraclete. Jesus had not told the disciples these things from the beginning because he was with them.