He doth not say it was expedient for him, though this was truth; for his human nature was not till his ascension glorified, as afterward, 1 Thessalonians 17:5; but he saith it was expedient for them. The saints may desire a dissolution, but it is for their own advantage, Philippians 1:23. Christ desires it for their advantage; because the Holy Spirit could not come upon them (as in the days of Pentecost) until he by his death had made reconciliation for iniquity; and God had so ordered the counsels of eternity, that Christ should first die, rise again, and ascend into heaven, and then he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh, as one eminent fruit of Christ's meritorious death and passion, Acts 2:32,33 Eph 4:11. We are not able to give certain reasons of the counsels of God; but the reasonableness of them in this very particular may easily be concluded: that the sending of the Spirit might appear to be the fruit of Christ's death: that the Messiah's influence upon the sending of him jointly with the Father, might appear; for he was to be sent from Christ glorified, 1 Thessalonians 7:39: that the Spirit might glorify Christ, as we have it, 1 Thessalonians 16:14; for (saith that verse) He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you: and that the world might better understand the mystery of the Trinity. The Father was by all owned to be in heaven. The Son ascended up to heaven in the presence of many witnesses. The Spirit descended from heaven with great majesty and glory, as may be read. Acts 2:2,3.
Related Commentaries of John 16:7
John 16:7
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.