Albert Barnes Commentary John 16:33

"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." — John 16:33 (ASV)

In me. In my presence, and in the aid which I will give you by the Holy Spirit.

In the world. Among the people to whom you are going. You must expect to be persecuted, afflicted, tormented.

I have overcome the world. He overcame the prince of this world by his death (John 12:31). He vanquished the great foe of humanity and triumphed over all that would cause our ruin.

He brought down aid and strength from above by his death. Furthermore, by securing for us the friendship of God and the influence of the Spirit, by his own instructions and example, and by revealing to us the glories of heaven and opening our eyes to see the excellence of heavenly things, he has equipped us with the means to overcome all our enemies and to triumph in all our temptations. (Romans 8:34, 35-37; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 12:11).

Luther said of this verse, "that it was worthy to be carried from Rome to Jerusalem on one's knees." The world is a vanquished enemy; Satan is a humbled foe; and all that believers have to do is to put their trust in the Captain of their salvation, putting on the whole armor of God, assured that the victory is theirs and that the church will yet shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners (Song of Solomon 6:10).

In the world: John 15:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:12.