And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
And {G2532} now {G3568} I have told {G2046} you {G5213} before {G4250} it come to pass {G1096}, that {G2443}, when {G3752} it is come to pass {G1096}, ye might believe {G4100}.
“Also, I have said it to you now, before it happens; so that when it does happen, you will trust.
And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe.
-
John 13:19
Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he]. -
John 16:4
But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. -
John 16:31
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? -
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. -
Matthew 24:25
Behold, I have told you before.
In John 14:29, Jesus continues His intimate discourse with His disciples during the Last Supper, offering a profound reason for revealing future events to them: to strengthen their faith. This verse underscores Jesus' divine foresight and the strategic purpose behind His prophecies.
Context
This verse is part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John chapters 13-17), delivered on the night before His crucifixion. The disciples are deeply troubled by Jesus' announcement of His imminent departure (John 14:1) and the challenges they will face. Jesus has just promised the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, John 14:26), and spoken of His eventual return. Knowing that these events—His death, resurrection, ascension, and the Spirit's arrival—would soon unfold, Jesus explicitly states His reason for foretelling them.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The key verb here is "believe" (Greek: pisteuō), which implies not just intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust and reliance. Jesus' goal was for their faith to be so firmly rooted in Him that even when His physical presence was removed, they would continue to believe in His identity, His mission, and His promises. The phrase "before it come to pass" emphasizes the proactive nature of Jesus' revelation, designed to preempt doubt and cultivate enduring faith.
Practical Application
For believers today, John 14:29 offers immense comfort and strengthens our own faith. The countless prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled, particularly those concerning Jesus Christ, serve as powerful evidence of God's truthfulness and His sovereign control over history. When we see God's word come to pass, it builds our confidence in His future promises, including the promise of Christ's return and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. This verse encourages us to trust God's word even when we don't fully understand current circumstances, knowing that His plan will unfold exactly as He has declared, ultimately for His glory and our good.