What does John 16:3 mean?

Explanation

John 16:3 states, "And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." In this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the persecution they will face after His departure.

The "things they will do unto you" refers to the various forms of persecution and suffering that Christian believers will endure.

This mistreatment will stem from the persecutors’ lack of knowledge and relationship with God the Father and Jesus Himself.

The deeper meaning here is that ignorance of God's true nature leads people to act in ways that are contrary to His will, and in this case, to inflict harm upon His followers.

Historical Context

During the time this verse was spoken, Jesus was giving His farewell discourse to His disciples.

It was shortly before His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

The disciples were about to encounter a time of great confusion and persecution after Jesus was no longer physically present with them.

The Jewish authorities and later the Roman Empire were known to persecute the early Christians.

This was largely because Christianity was seen as a threat to the traditional Jewish beliefs and, later on, to the Roman order.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives might focus on various aspects of this verse.

From an Arminian point of view, the verse might emphasize the requirement of a personal knowledge of God to act righteously.

A Calvinist perspective might highlight the depravity of man, which leads to persecution of the godly out of ignorance.

Catholic theology might see this verse as an affirmation of the necessity of the Church to guide the faithful, as a means to truly know the Father and Christ, and thus avoid persecution through heresy.

An Eastern Orthodox view might stress the mystical knowledge of God as essential to theosis (becoming godlike), and that lacking such knowledge can lead to the violent opposition depicted in the verse.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, John 16:3 can remind believers to be patient and forgiving towards those who may not understand or accept their faith. It can also be a prompt for Christians to witness to others, providing them with the opportunity to know God and Jesus.

Furthermore, this verse can prepare believers for the possibility of experiencing misunderstanding or hostility because of their faith, strengthening them to endure it with grace.

Cross-References

• John 15:21: "But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."
• John 8:19: "Then said they unto him, Where is Thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also."
• Acts 3:17: "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "known" is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), which means to know, understand, or perceive.

This does not only imply intellectual knowledge but also suggests a relational and experiential knowledge.

The implication is that the persecutors lack a personal, experiential knowledge of God and Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman world, there were mystery religions that also claimed a special knowledge of the divine.

However, these were often esoteric and reserved for the initiated.

In contrast, Christianity posited a personal and relational knowledge of the divine that was available to all. Comparatively, in Judaism, the knowledge of God was linked to following the Law; yet, this verse suggests that the true knowledge of God surpasses legal adherence and comes through Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

While John 16:3 does not directly intersect with scientific teachings, one might draw a parallel with psychological studies on in-group/out-group dynamics. Lack of understanding and fear of the 'other' can lead to persecution and violence.

This verse addresses the outcome of such lack of understanding in a theological and spiritual context.

Commentaries

Traditional and contemporary Bible commentaries have a variety of interpretations for John 16:3.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the source of the world's enmity against the disciples is its ignorance of God and Christ.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary reflects on this verse as an exposition of the blindness and guilt of persecutors.

The New Bible Commentary emphasizes the tragic reality of religious persecution emanating from ignorance.

While interpretations may vary, the central theme remains constant: the persecution arises from a lack of true knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.