UTN uW Translation Notes:

John 16 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

1. Jesus promises that his disciples will be persecuted ([15:18–16:4](../15/01.md))2. Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit ([16:5–15](../16/05.md))3. Jesus says that he will return to his Father ([16:16–28](../16/16.md))4. Jesus says that his disciples will soon abandon him ([16:29–33](../16/29.md))

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

The Holy Spirit

Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit is the Helper ([14:16](../14/16.md)) who is always with God’s people to help them and to speak to God for them. He is also the Spirit of Truth ([14:17](../14/17.md)) who tells God’s people what is true about God so they know him better and serve him well. (See: holyspirit)

“The hour is coming”

Jesus used the words, “the hour is coming,” to begin prophecies about events that were about to occur. He is not referring to the 60 minute hour, but to a point in time when these prophecies will be fulfilled. “The hour” in which people would persecute his followers ([16:2](../16/02.md)) lasted for many years. However, “the hour” in which his disciples would scatter and leave him alone ([16:32](../16/32.md)) was less than sixty minutes long. (See: prophet)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Simile

Jesus said that just as a woman is in pain when she gives birth to a baby, so also his followers would be sad when he died. But just as the woman is happy after the baby is born, so also his followers would be happy when Jesus became alive again. (See: figs-simile)