John 16:1-18
If it were not the Lord saying it, we would find it hard to imagine His departure being "profitable" (v. 7 JND trans.) for the disciples. So it is with many things which we do not understand and which for the moment trouble us, even though they are for our profit (vv. 6, 7). The Holy Spirit would be sent from heaven by the Lord Jesus and would lead believers into all truth (v. 13). It has been noted that in ch. 14-16 the Lord confirms the divine inspiration of all the New Testament books: the Gospels – He will "bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26); the Acts – "he shall testify of me" (John 15:26-27); the Epistles – "he shall teach you all things" (14:26); and finally the Revelation – "he will shew you things to come" (v. 13). But the presence of the Holy Spirit down here carries serious consequences too for the world by convicting the world of its guilt in rejecting Christ (vv. 8-11).
By their questions (vv. 17, 18) the disciples show that just then they were not able to bear the teaching of their Master (v. 12). Now the Holy Spirit is here, glorifying the Lord Jesus in telling us what is of Him. As for us, let us glorify Him in receiving and keeping this revelation!