Book of John - Chapter 16 - Verse 3

Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the persecution they will face for following him. He explains that those who do not know God the Father or himself will mistreat and harm them because of their faith. This verse serves as a warning to believers that they will encounter hostility and resistance from those who do not understand or accept their beliefs. It highlights the contrast between those who walk in the light of God and those who live in darkness. By acknowledging that persecution will come from those who do not know the Father or Jesus, it offers comfort and reassurance to believers that their suffering is not in vain. It encourages believers to stay strong in their faith and to trust in God's plan, even when they face adversity.

John 16:3 presents a profound theological interpretation of the nature of persecution faced by believers. The verse highlights the fact that those who persecute Christians do so out of ignorance - they do not know the Father or Jesus. This lack of knowledge about God's true nature leads to hostility towards His followers. The deeper theological implication here is that true knowledge of God and His Son leads to love, understanding, and compassion towards others. Therefore, the verse underscores the importance of spreading the message of God's love and grace to combat persecution and hostility. In terms of word study, the phrase "have not known" in the original Greek text comes from the word "ginosko," which carries the connotation of a deep, personal knowledge rather than just factual information. This emphasizes the intimate relationship believers are called to have with God and the transformative power that knowledge can bring.