Bible Strands
John 16:1
“I have told you these things so that you will not fall away.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks directly to his disciples during the Farewell Discourse, immediately before describing their upcoming expulsion from synagogues and the persecution that will follow.
The words — The Greek σκανδαλισθῆτε (skandalisthēte) literally means "you may fall away," describing a loss of spiritual footing or loyalty when confronted with hostility.
The thread — The warning against stumbling appears in 1 Peter 2:8 regarding those who disobey the word, Matthew 13:21 on faith that withers under persecution, and Matthew 26:31 where Jesus predicts the disciples will themselves fall away.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus' prior teaching functions as a preventive measure against apostasy, requiring listeners to memorize and trust his words before facing trials that would otherwise break their commitment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.
- Matthew 13:21 But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
- Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
- Matthew 24:10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
- John 15:18 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.
- John 16:4 But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
- Romans 14:21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble.
- Matthew 11:6 Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
- Matthew 13:57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
- John 15:11 I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.