But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
THE SURROUNDING PASSAGE
John 16:4 in context
John 16:1–7
1
“I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble.
2
They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God.
3
They will do these things because they have not known the Father nor me.
4
Selected verse
But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
5
But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
6
But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.
7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
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