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 16:4)
Literally, “the hour.” Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the reading “their hour,” that is, the hour of these persecutors. See Luke 22:53.
Ye may remember.
The forewarning would strengthen them in the hour of persecution (see on ch. 15:20).
I was with you.
There was no need to tell them earlier, for if persecution had come, Jesus would have been with them to encourage them. In fact, while Jesus was on earth the persecution was directed against Him. But after His departure the hatred of the enemy would be directed against His representatives.