Matthew Poole and continuators on John 16:1

THese things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended .

That is, when you see these storms of persecution arise, and fall heavily upon you, they may not give you any occasion, or be any temptation to you to desist from your duty, and be afraid, or ashamed to own me, and the profession of my Gospel. Evils unthought of, we are not ordinarily prepared for, so as being surprized by them, they the more sink us: Offending here therefore may signifie, either immoderate trouble and affliction, or being tempted to any Apostacy, or remission of duty.