Charles Ellicott 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)

These things I have spoken to you...—At the conclusion of the discourse He sums up in a single thought what its object was: “Peace in Him. In the world, indeed, tribulation, but this as conquered in Him, and not interrupting the true peace in Him.” The thought is closely allied to that of the last verse, “Alone and not alone;” “Troubled, and yet having peace.” He had spoken of this from John 14:1 and following, and from John 15:18 to John 16:4 especially of the tribulation which awaited them. (Compare St. Paul’s experience of these contrasts in 2 Corinthians 4:8 and following).

That in me you might have peace.—Compare Notes on John 14:27; John 15:7.

In the world you will have tribulation.—The reading of the better manuscripts is, “In the world you have tribulation.” It is the general statement of their relation to the world. The two clauses answer to each other—the one defining the origin of their inner, the other of their outer life. The life in the world is but the life as it is seen by others; the true life is that which is in communion with God through Christ, and that is one of never-failing peace, which no tribulation can ever affect. Peace is the Christian’s birthright, and his joy no one takes from him (John 16:22; John 14:27).

But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.—The pronoun is strongly emphatic: “I have Myself overcome the world.” He speaks of the assured victory as though it were already accomplished. (See Note on John 16:11; John 12:31; John 13:31.) Here is the reason why they should take courage and be of good cheer. He is the Captain of their salvation, and has already won the victory. The enemies they fear, the world in which they have tribulation, are already captives following in the Conqueror’s train. They themselves have pledges of victory in and through His victory.