John chapter 15

vs 19

The world doesn't hate us because we rail against it - probably we don't all the time. It doesn't hate us because we're seeking to smash it up either. It hates us because Jesus has picked us out of it, and we're not "of it" anymore.

vs 20

Whatever Jesus suffers, the disciples have to be prepared to suffer it to. And so do we. But they will also be obeyed, and that is as big a deal. Those who would seek to enthrone Jesus in their lives will also obey the Apostles' teaching. You know, I'd never read that before, but that sounds like an implicit command to all Christians (especially all reading this book).

vs 21

Jesus is obviously referring to the negative treatment, which no doubt is more immediately in the minds of the disciples at this time. Again, it is because of the people's lack of understanding and their relationship (or lack theirof) with Jesus that the disciples will be persecuted. Jesus is at the centre, even of persecution. Peter brings this up well in his epistle - if you're doing the right thing, why would people persecute you? And yet they do.

vs 22

Why does the world hate Jesus? Because he opitimises their sin. He calls it out, makes it obvious, shows that there is only one choice, and that choice paints us as pieces of crap. The idea that people are basically good and masters of their own little destinies is a potently wrong belief in the world.

vs 23

The problem is that Jesus is the Son of God, sent especially for this mission, so to hate him is to hate God.

vs 24

Jesus never sinned. If he'd come and sinned like everyone else, he would have been much more acceptable. But since his work, especially his miraculous work as witnessed in John, has been a lot about his own purity and relationship with God, it has been unacceptable by the people. Which makes no sense, because the people of Israel are supposed to love God and want to do whatever God wants them, to obey the law to its fullest. Someone comes who does that, and they hate him.

vs 25

This does not...make...sense! Look at the monkey!

There is no good, intelligent reason to hate Jesus or his claims or his accusations against you for being sinful. We all know he's right.

vs 26

The Spirit of God will testify about Jesus, and most likely about God too. Although it is named primarily by Jesus here as a counsellor, to be with the disciples and look after them, it will also help them learn and accept the truth.

vs 27

And that truth they will have to go out and testify - the whole point of being an apostle! But I think this command is universal to anyone who receives the Spirit - they must go and testify.