John Calvin 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. He again repeats how necessary those consolations are that he had addressed to them, and he proves it by this argument: that numerous distresses and tribulations await them in the world.

First, we ought to attend to this admonition: that all believers ought to be convinced that their life is exposed to many afflictions, so that they may be disposed to exercise patience. Since, therefore, the world is like a troubled sea, true peace will be found nowhere but in Christ.

Next, we ought to attend to the way of enjoying that peace, which he describes in this passage. He says that they will have peace if they make progress in this doctrine. Do we wish then to have our minds calm and easy in the midst of afflictions? Let us be attentive to this discourse of Christ, which in itself will give us peace.

But be of good courage. Since our sluggishness must be corrected by various afflictions, and since we must be awakened to seek a remedy for our distress, the Lord does not intend that our minds shall be cast down. Rather, he intends that we shall fight keenly.

This is impossible if we are not certain of success, for if we must fight while uncertain about the result, all our zeal will quickly vanish. Therefore, when Christ calls us to the contest, he arms us with assured confidence of victory, even though we must still toil hard.

I have overcome the world. Since there is always much reason for us to tremble, he shows that we ought to be confident for this reason: he has obtained a victory over the world, not for himself individually, but for our sake.

Thus, though in ourselves we are almost overwhelmed, if we contemplate that magnificent glory to which our Head has been exalted, we may boldly despise all the evils that hang over us.

Therefore, if we desire to be Christians, we must not seek exemption from the cross. Instead, we must be satisfied with this single consideration: that, fighting under the banner of Christ, we are beyond all danger, even in the midst of combat.

Under the term World, Christ here includes all that is opposed to the salvation of believers, and especially all the corruptions that Satan abuses for the purpose of laying snares for us.