JOHN 16:5

Q: Isn't there a contradiction here since the apostles had earlier asked this same question?

“Both Peter and Thomas had in fact asked this question verbally already. But then it was because of their dismay rather than because of a real desire to know Jesus' destiny (see 14:6).” The International Bible Commentary

“The disciples' reoccupation with their own problems prevented their understanding the crucial nature of the time ('now') and the momentous significance of the events (His death, burial, resurrection, and Ascension).” The Bible Knowledge Commentary

“[John's question in 13:36] had not really indicated a serious inquiry as to Jesus' destination. Peter was diverted immediately and he made no real attempt to find out where Jesus was going. He had been concerned with the thought of parting from Jesus, not with that of the Master's destination. He had in mind only the consequences for himself and his fellows. Neither he nor they had as yet made serious inquiry as to what was to become of Jesus. So does self-interest blind men.” Leon Morris The Gospel According to John

Three more possibilities are mentioned by Raymond Brown's commentary The Gospel According to John XIII-XX1 . The first two (a and b) are obviously unacceptable:

a. The verses were originally arranged so that Peter and Thomas' questions came after John 16:5 instead of before it.

b. Verses 13:36, 14:6 and 16:5 were different versions of the same event written by different authors and combined into the account we now have.

c. There is no sharp distinction in Hebrew (or Aramaic) between “not” and “no more.” Therefore 16:5 can read, “Yet not one of you now asks any more, 'Where are you going?'”