John 16:32

Vv. 32 reassures the disciples as to the person of their Master; John 16:33 tranquillizes them for themselves. Everything that Jesus has said to them on this last evening should breathe into them a complete quietness, resting upon the foundation of the faith which they have in Him (John 14:1). No doubt, He could not conceal from them that they would have to sustain a struggle with the world (John 15:18 to John 16:4). But in the presence of the tribulations which this struggle will bring, it is necessary that their peace should take the character of assurance and become courage, θάρσος.

There is an opposition between the two limiting terms: in me and in the world; the first designates the sphere from which peace is drawn; the other, the domain whence anguish arises. ᾿Εγώ, I, brings out with force the unique personality of Him who, having already overcome for Himself, makes His victory that of His followers. The victory which Jesus has already gained is, above all, internal; He has resisted the attractions of the world and surmounted its terrors. But there is more: this moral victory is about to be realized externally in the consummation of the redemptive work, on the cross accepted in advance, which will be henceforth the cause and the monument of the world's defeat. This victory will be continued by means of the Eleven, who will be the bearers of it here on earth.