John 16:24

24 Till now you haven't asked for anything in my name. Keep asking, and you will receive, so 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 do indeed feel grief now, but I am going to see you again. Then your hearts will be full of joy, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23 "When that day comes, you won't ask anything of me! Yes, indeed! I tell you that whatever you ask from the Father, he will give you in my name.
24 Till now you haven't asked for anything in my name. Keep asking, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
25 "I have said these things to you with the help of illustrations; however, a time is coming when I will no longer speak indirectly but will talk about the Father in plain language.
26 When that day comes, you will ask in my name. I am not telling you that I will pray to the Father on your behalf,
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.