Christ had used much the same expression to the Jews, 1 Thessalonians 7:33, Yet a little while I am with you; he had spoken the same to his disciples, 1 Thessalonians 13:33; yet it is plain from this verse, that his disciples did not understand him. What need the best of us have of the illuminations of the blessed Spirit, rightly to conceive of and understand spiritual things! These doctrines of his death resurrection, and ascension, and coming to judgment, our Lord had inculcated to his disciples, not only in the two texts aforementioned, but also 1 Thessalonians 8:21, 1 Thessalonians 12:33,36 14:2,4,12,28; and in this chapter, 1 Thessalonians 16:5,7.
Related Commentaries of John 16:17
John 16:17
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us,A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again,a little while, and ye shall see me: and,Because I go to the Father?