John 16:24

24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

John 16:24 Meaning and Commentary

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name
Not that they had never prayed as yet; for they had desired him to teach them to pray, which he did: they had prayed to him particularly for an increase of faith, and for many other things; but either they had only asked him, he being present with them, and not the Father; or if they had asked the Father anything, yet not in the name of Christ: they had made no mention of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, nor any use of his mediation; things they had not as yet such clear knowledge of; or they had not asked as yet any extraordinary thing, as they afterwards did; see ( Acts 4:29 Acts 4:30 ) ;

ask, and ye shall receive;
that is, in my name, and whatever ye ask for, ye shall have it, to fit you for your work, to carry you through it, and to give you success in it: see ( Matthew 7:7 ) ;

that your joy may be full;
go cheerfully through your work, find much pleasure in it, and with great satisfaction see the Gospel spread, souls converted, Satan's kingdom weakened, and the interest of your Redeemer thrive and flourish; than which nothing can more contribute to complete the joy of the ministers of Christ.

John 16:24 In-Context

22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy.
23 In that day you will not ask Me anything. "I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.
25 "I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.
26 In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.