Easter · The Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jubilate)
John 16:16-22
The Work of the Holy Spirit
April 26, 2026
Overview & Insights
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)
The second farewell discourse runs most closely parallel to the first precisely where it is most properly a “farewell” (i.e., where it addresses directly the question of Jesus’ impending departure; cf. 13:33). Here, inevitably, is also where the differences between the two discourses become most noticeable. Whereas the first discourse was largely structured around a series of questions by various disciples, here the question-and-answer method seems to be consciously abandoned. The earlier discourse began with Peter’s “Lord, where are you going?” in 13:36, but here Jesus makes the specific statement that none of you asks me “Where are you going?” (v. 5b). The reference is not simply to questions but to the specific question that touched off the whole discourse comprising 13:36–14:31. It is as if Jesus shows awareness of 13:36 but makes a conscious effort to do things differently.
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Commentary
John 16 Commentary: The Departing Jesus' Final Teaching Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks the whole farewell chapter, including the little while and the sorrow that turns to joy in verses 16 to 22.
John 16:16 Commentaries BibleHub
Stacks classic verse-level commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Meyer, Pulpit) on the a little while saying that opens this reading.
John 16 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study notes with word studies and cross references across the chapter.
John 16 - Word on Fire Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic reflections and homily material on the chapter, reading the sorrow-to-joy promise through the cross and resurrection.
Background & Word Study
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary book portal giving outline, authorship, and themes as background to the farewell discourse.
Gospel of John Summary: Watch an Overview Video BibleProject
Animated overview that maps where the upper room discourse sits in John's structure.
What is the Holy Spirit in the Bible? BibleProject
Theme video on the Spirit, the promised presence Jesus points to as he prepares the disciples for his absence.
John 16:16 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek-English interlinear with parsing for mikron (a little while) and the seeing verbs theoreo and opsesthe.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus promises that it is to their advantage that he go, for he will send the Helper, who will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment, and guide the disciples into all truth, glorifying Christ.
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