Who

• Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
• Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 14:1–16:33): Jesus addresses His disciples in the farewell teaching after Judas's departure, answering questions from Thomas, Philip, and Judas who is not Iscariot. stated in the text
• Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text

What

• What is the topic of this reading unit? Sorrow turned to joy. Read John 16:16 through John 16:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
• How does it contribute to the book? Jesus prepares the disciples for a coming interval of grief and joy, connecting their future asking with His name. interpretation

When

• When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background

Where

• What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
• Where does the context start? This passage sits in Sorrow turned to joy (John 16:16 to John 16:24). Start reading at John 16:16. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

How

• How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
• How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation

Who wrote it, and how we know

Related passages

• That John 16:6,33 John 19:25-27 Mark 14:72 Mark 16:10 Luke 22:45,62 Luke 23:47-49 Luke 24:17,21
• but the Job 20:5 Matt 21:38 Matt 27:39-44,62-66 Mark 15:29-32 Rev 11:10 Rev 18:7
• your Ps 30:5,11 Ps 40:1-3 Ps 97:11 Ps 126:5-6 Isa 12:1 Isa 25:8-9 Isa 61:3 Isa 66:5

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).