Albert Barnes Commentary John 15:18

"If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before [it hated] you." — John 15:18 (ASV)

If the world hate you. The friendship of the world they were not to expect, but they were not to be deterred from their work by its hatred. They had seen the example of Jesus. No opposition of the proud, the wealthy, the learned, or the men of power, no persecution or taunts, had deterred him from his work. Remembering this, and keeping his example steadily in view, they were to labor no less because wicked men would oppose and deride them. It is enough for the disciple to be as his Master, and the servant as his Lord (Matthew 10:25).