Albert Barnes Commentary John 16:13

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, [these] shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come." — John 16:13 (ASV)

The Spirit of truth. So called because He would teach them all needful truth.

Will guide you into all truth. This refers to truth that pertained to the establishment of the Christian system, which they were not then prepared to hear. We may remark here that this is a full promise that they would be inspired and guided in founding the new church; and we may observe that the plan of the Savior was replete with wisdom.

Though they had been with Him for a long time, they were not prepared then to hear of the changes that were to occur. However, His death would open their eyes, and the Holy Spirit, making use of the striking and impressive scenes of His death and ascension, would advance their understanding of the nature of the Christian scheme with great rapidity.

Perhaps in the few days that passed, recorded in the first and second chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, they learned more about the true nature of the Christian plan than they would have in months or years, even under the teaching of Jesus Himself.

The more we study the plan of Christ, the more we will admire the profound wisdom of the Christian scheme, and see that it was eminently fitted to the great design of its Founder—to introduce it in such a manner as to make the deepest impression of its wisdom and truth on people.

Not speak of himself. Not as prompted by Himself. He will declare what is communicated to Him. (See Barnes on John 7:18).

Whatsoever he shall hear. What He will receive from the Father and the Son, represented by hearing because instruction is commonly received in this way. (See Barnes on John 5:30).

Things to come. This probably means the meaning of things that were to take place after the time when He was speaking to them—namely, the design of His death and the nature of the changes that were to take place in the Jewish nation.

It is also true that the apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit to predict future events that would take place in the church and the world. (Acts 20:29; Acts 21:11; 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 1:14; and the whole book of Revelation).