Albert Barnes Commentary John 16:23

"And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name." — John 16:23 (ASV)

In that day. After my resurrection and ascension.

You shall ask me nothing. The word rendered ask here may have two meanings, one to ask by way of inquiry, the other to ask for assistance. Perhaps there is reference here to both these senses. While he was with them they had been accustomed to depend on him for the supply of their wants, and in a great degree to propose their trials to him, expecting his aid (John 11:3).

They were also dependent on his personal instructions to explain to them the mysteries of his religion, and to remove their perplexities on the subject of his doctrines. They had not sought God through him as the Mediator, but they had directly applied to the Savior himself.

He now tells them that from now on their requests were to be made to God in his name, and that he, by the influences of his Spirit, would make known to them what Jesus would himself do if bodily present. The emphasis in this verse is to be placed on the word me. Their requests were not to be made to him, but to the Father.

Whatsoever you shall ask, etc. See John 14:13.