John Gill Commentary John 16:1

"These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be caused to stumble." — John 16:1 (ASV)

These things I have spoken to you
Concerning the world's hatred and persecution of them, and the little regard they would show to their doctrine: these things Christ thought proper to give them notice of beforehand, that expecting them, they might be prepared for them, and be fortified against them;

that, says he, you should not be offended: Hardships coming upon persons unawares bear the harder upon their spirits, and they are more apt to take offence at them and be impatient under them, which is prevented by previous intimation.

Had Christ said nothing of these things that should befall his disciples, they might have surprised them, and have been a stumbling to them; and might have tempted them to have relinquished their profession of him, and dropped their ministerial work; whereas being apprized of them beforehand, they were not so shocking to them.

This shows the tender concern of Christ for his disciples, how careful he was to remove every occasion of stumbling, or what might be matter of offence to them; and may teach us to act in such a manner towards one another, in this, or any other case.