Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:19

"If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." — John 15:19 (ASV)

Jesus’ choice of the disciples has set them apart for a different kind of life and for a different purpose. Therefore, the world will exclude them. Jesus’ choice is also the guarantee that the lives of his disciples will have permanent value, but it does not guarantee immunity from attack. Jesus can promise them nothing more than what he himself had received (cf. 13:16).