28 I came forth from the Father, and have come to the world; again I leave the world, and go on unto the Father.' 29 His disciples say to him, 'Lo, now freely thou dost speak, and no similitude speakest thou; 30 now we have known that thou hast known all things, and hast no need that any one do question thee; in this we believe that from God thou didst come forth.' 31 Jesus answered them, 'Now do ye believe? lo, there doth come an hour, 32 and now it hath come, that ye may be scattered, each to his own things, and me ye may leave alone, and I am not alone, because the Father is with me; 33 these things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, but take courage—I have overcome the world.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 16:28-33
Commentary on John 16:28-33
(Read John 16:28-33)
Here is a plain declaration of Christ's coming from the Father, and his return to him. The Redeemer, in his entrance, was God manifest in the flesh, and in his departure was received up into glory. By this saying the disciples improved in knowledge. Also in faith; "Now are we sure." Alas! they knew not their own weakness. The Divine nature did not desert the human nature, but supported it, and put comfort and value into Christ's sufferings. And while we have God's favourable presence, we are happy, and ought to be easy, though all the world forsake us. Peace in Christ is the only true peace, in him alone believers have it. Through him we have peace with God, and so in him we have peace in our own minds. We ought to be encouraged, because Christ has overcome the world before us. But while we think we stand, let us take heed lest we fall. We know not how we should act if brought into temptation; let us watch and pray without ceasing, that we may not be left to ourselves.