John 16:1
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John 16:1
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus speaks these words not just as a comfort, but as a crucial warning. He's telling his disciples that the world's hatred is coming, and they will be "made to stumble" by it if they aren't prepared. This isn't about avoiding hardship, but about understanding that persecution is a sign they belong to Him, not the world.
Jesus has just finished explaining to his disciples how the world will hate and persecute them because they belong to Him, not the world. He warns them that this opposition will be severe, even to the point of people thinking they are serving God by harming believers. Jesus says He's telling them all this in advance so they won't be shocked or fall away from their faith when these difficult times arrive.
Jesus knew His followers would face intense opposition. His words weren't just predictions; they were preparation.
Jesus had just spoken at length about the world's hatred for Him and, by extension, for His followers (John 15:18-27). He wasn't being negative; He was being practical. The disciples were about to face intense pressure, including being kicked out of synagogues and even being killed by people who thought they were serving God. Jesus warned them so they wouldn't be surprised or 'fall away' – literally, be tripped up and stumble in their faith. This forewarning was an act of love, equipping them with knowledge to stand firm when hostility inevitably came.
What does it mean to be 'offended' in a biblical sense, and why is this a major concern for Jesus?
The Greek word translated 'offended' (skandalizō) means to be caused to stumble, to be ensnared, or to fall away from faith. Jesus knew that the world's rejection of Him, the suffering He predicted for His followers, and even the religious leaders turning against them would be major stumbling blocks. Some would be tempted to give up their faith entirely, or to question God's presence and power when facing such hardship. Jesus preemptively addressed these potential crises of faith, assuring them that these trials, while difficult, were foreseen and would ultimately lead to God's purposes being fulfilled through them, especially with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus didn't promise His followers an easy life, but rather a life with purpose, even in suffering.
The disciples' sorrow after Jesus spoke these words (v. 6) shows how hard it was for them to grasp. They were accustomed to Jesus' physical presence, which provided comfort and a sense of security. Jesus, however, was preparing them for a different reality. He was going to the Father, and they would face opposition for His name's sake. He wasn't sparing them the pain, but rather giving them a 'heads up' so their faith wouldn't break. This highlights a core truth: true discipleship often involves facing hardship and the world's disapproval, not seeking worldly comfort. The ultimate goal is not an easy life, but faithfulness and perseverance, empowered by the Spirit.
Understand the original words
skandalizō · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this refers to being scandalized, tripping, or falling into sin or apostasy. It implies a loss of faith or turning away from the truth due to unexpected trials or persecution.
Jesus' words in John 16:1 were spoken in the immediate context of his impending departure, crucifixion, and resurrection. He was anticipating the intense opposition and persecution his followers would face from a world that hated him, aiming to fortify them against spiritual stumbling and discouragement.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Days and Teachings
During Jesus' last days, he delivered extensive teachings to his disciples, preparing them for his departure and the challenges they would face.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified, died, and was resurrected, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating his divine authority and victory over death.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Ascends to the Father
After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to his Father in heaven, a pivotal event that paved the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30-33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The promised Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to witness for Christ and guiding them into truth.
This passage speaks directly to the idea that fiery trials, which can cause believers to stumble, are to be expected and even considered a source of joy because they signify participation in Christ's suffering.
Romans 8:35-39This passage powerfully reassures believers that no tribulation, distress, or persecution can separate them from God's love, echoing Jesus' desire to prevent His followers from falling away when such troubles arise.
Matthew 13:21Jesus uses the same metaphor of stumbling (offended) when discussing those who hear the word of God but lack deep roots, highlighting the importance of His words in John 16:1 for enduring hardship.
Acts 17:11This passage describes the Bereans as noble because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what the apostles said was true, illustrating the proactive faith needed to not be 'offended' by challenging teachings.
cambridgeJohn 16:1: "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended."
1–11 . The World and the Paraclete 1 . These things ] These discourses generally, especially the last section about the world’s hatred of Him and them ( John 15:18-27 ). should not be offended ] Literally, should not be made to stumble: comp. John 6:61 ; 1 John 2:10 . The metaphor is frequent in S. Matt. and S. Mark, occurs thrice in S. Luke ( Luke 7:23 ; Luke 17:1-2 ), and twice in S. John. The fanatical hatred o…
henryJohn 16:1-6: "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended."
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…
Jesus speaks these words not just as a comfort, but as a crucial warning. He's telling his disciples that the world's hatred is coming, and they will be "made to stumble" by it if they aren't prepared. This isn't about avoiding hardship, but about understanding that persecution is a sign they belong to Him, not the world.
Jesus has just finished explaining to his disciples how the world will hate and persecute them because they belong to Him, not the world. He warns them that this opposition will be severe, even to the point of people thinking they are serving God by harming believers. Jesus says He's telling them all this in advance so they won't be shocked or fall away from their faith when these difficult times arrive.
Jesus has just finished explaining to his disciples how the world will hate and persecute them because they belong to Him, not the world. He warns them that this opposition will be severe, even to the point of people thinking they are serving God by harming believers. Jesus says He's telling them all this in advance so they won't be shocked or fall away from their faith when these difficult times arrive.
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c. AD 40s-60s
Early Spread of Christianity
The early Christian church experienced rapid growth but also faced increasing persecution and opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 90s
John's Gospel Written
The Gospel of John was written, likely in Ephesus, during a time when the early church was solidifying its understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, and facing external pressures.
"“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away." — Jesus speaks these words not just as a comfort, but as a crucial warning. He's telling his disciples that the world's hatred is coming, and they will be "made to stumble" by it if they aren't prepare…