Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 16:3

"And these things will they do, because they have not known the Father, nor me." — John 16:3 (ASV)

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

This verse reminds us of our Lord's prayer on the cross, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Persecution of God's people usually arises from ignorance of God the Father and God the Son.

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

The persecuting Jews professed to be worshippers of Jehovah; but they did not know the Christ, whom he sent, and, therefore, in very truth they did not know the Father either. How can you expect that those who do not know the Father will know the Son, or any of the other children of the divine family? As they rejected the Elder Brother, will they not also reject the younger ones? Is the disciple to be above his Master, or the servant to be treated better than his Lord? Do not think so; and therefore expect that you will not be known, even as the Father and the Son were not known.

"It is no surprising thing,
That we should be unknown:
The Jewish world did not know their King,
God's everlasting Son."

And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. (John 16:3)

It is ignorance that makes people hate God's people and His Son: They have not known the Father, nor me (John 16:3). Truly, Paul said, I did it ignorantly in unbelief; (1 Timothy 1:13) and for such persecutors, there is full and free forgiveness.

When they turn to the Lord, even this sin will be forgiven them. But they will not forgive themselves for having committed it; and, like Paul, they will count themselves the chief of sinners because they persecuted the Church of God.