John 16:10

righteousness The word occurs here only in this Gospel; but comp. 1Jn 2:29; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 3:10; Revelation 19:11. Righteousness is the keeping of the law, and is the natural result of faith; so much so that faith is reckoned as if it were righteousness (Romans 4:3-9), so certain is this result regarded. Here -righteousness" is used not in the lower sense of keeping prescribed ordinances (Matthew 3:15), but in the highest and widest sense of keeping the law of God; internal as well as external obedience. The lower sense was almost the only sense both to Jew and Gentile (Matthew 5:20). The Spirit, having convinced man that sin is much more than a breaking of certain ordinances, viz. a rejection of God and His Christ, goes on to convince him that righteousness is much more than a keeping of certain ordinances.

I go to my Father Better, I go away (see on John 16:7) to the Father; -My" is wanting in the best texts. Once more -because" explains -will convict," not -righteousness." The life of Christ on earth as the pattern for all mankind being completed, and the reconciliation of man to God being completed also, the Spirit makes known to man the nature of that life, and thus shews what the nature of righteousness is. Sin being resistance to God's will, righteousness is perfect harmony with it.

ye see me no more -Contemplate" or behold would be better than -see" comp. John 16:16; John 6:40; John 6:62; John 7:3; John 14:19, &c.). He shews His disciples that He has sympathy for them; in speaking of His return to glory He does not forget the sorrow which they feel and expect (erroneously, as Acts 2:46 shews) always to feel.