John 15:26
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father--the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father--He will testify about Me.
When the Advocate comes
The term "Advocate" is translated from the Greek word "Parakletos," which means one who is called to one's side, especially to help. In the context of the New Testament, it refers to the Holy Spirit, who acts as a comforter, counselor, and intercessor. The coming of the Advocate signifies a new era in the relationship between God and humanity, where the Holy Spirit actively participates in guiding and supporting believers. This promise of the Advocate's arrival is a source of hope and assurance for the disciples, as it indicates that they will not be left alone after Jesus' departure.

whom I will send to you from the Father
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and mission of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, in His divine authority, promises to send the Advocate from the Father, highlighting the unity and cooperation within the Trinity. The sending of the Holy Spirit is an act of love and provision, ensuring that believers have the necessary guidance and strength to fulfill their mission on earth. It underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, and their collective involvement in the salvation and sanctification of believers.

the Spirit of truth
The Holy Spirit is described as the "Spirit of truth," indicating His role in revealing and affirming the truth of God's word and the teachings of Jesus. In a world filled with deception and falsehood, the Spirit of truth provides clarity and discernment, enabling believers to distinguish between truth and error. This title also reflects the Spirit's role in guiding believers into all truth, as mentioned in John 16:13, ensuring that they remain grounded in the teachings of Christ and the Scriptures.

who proceeds from the Father
The phrase "proceeds from the Father" speaks to the eternal relationship and origin of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. The procession of the Spirit from the Father signifies His divine nature and authority. This theological concept has been a point of discussion throughout church history, particularly in the context of the Nicene Creed and the Filioque controversy. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, it affirms the Spirit's divine mission and His active role in the life of the Church and individual believers.

He will testify about Me
The primary role of the Holy Spirit, as stated here, is to testify about Jesus. This testimony involves affirming the truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God, His redemptive work on the cross, and His resurrection. The Spirit's testimony is not only internal, confirming the truth in the hearts of believers, but also external, empowering them to witness to others about Christ. This assurance of the Spirit's testimony provides believers with confidence and boldness in their faith, knowing that they are supported by the divine witness of the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Advocate (Paraclete)
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who is promised to come and support, guide, and testify about Jesus.

3. The Father
God the Father, from whom the Spirit proceeds, emphasizing the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity.

4. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' promise, representing all believers who will receive the Holy Spirit.

5. The Sending of the Spirit
The event of the Holy Spirit being sent to believers, which occurs at Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, providing guidance, comfort, and truth. Believers should rely on the Spirit for understanding and living out their faith.

The Trinity in Action
This verse highlights the cooperative work of the Trinity: the Father sends the Spirit through the Son. Understanding this unity helps believers appreciate the distinct yet harmonious roles within the Godhead.

Testifying About Christ
The Spirit's primary role is to testify about Jesus. Believers are called to join in this testimony, sharing the truth of Christ with others.

The Spirit of Truth
As the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit leads believers into all truth. Christians should seek the Spirit's guidance in discerning truth from falsehood in their daily lives.

Empowerment for Witness
The coming of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses for Christ. This empowerment is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate change the way you approach prayer and decision-making in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the Spirit's work of testifying about Jesus in your community?

3. How does the concept of the Trinity, as seen in this verse, influence your understanding of God's nature and His work in the world?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you into truth. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

5. Considering the Spirit's empowerment, what steps can you take to be a more effective witness for Christ in your daily interactions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 14:16-17
Jesus previously promises the Holy Spirit as another Advocate, emphasizing His role in guiding believers into all truth.

Acts 2:1-4
The fulfillment of Jesus' promise when the Holy Spirit descends on the disciples at Pentecost.

1 John 5:6
The Spirit is described as the one who testifies, reinforcing His role as the Spirit of truth.

Romans 8:16
The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children, highlighting the personal and affirming work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
Our AllyAlexander MaclarenJohn 15:26
The ComforterCharles KingsleyJohn 15:26
The Defence Against a Hostile WorldA. Maclaren, D. D.John 15:26-27
The Great World-Restoring SpiritD. Thomas D. D.John 15:26-27
The Holy Spirit: His Work and MissionG. Osborn, D. D.John 15:26-27
The Joint WitnessingD. Young John 15:26, 27
The Spirit Testifying of ChristW. P. Lockhart.John 15:26-27
The Spirit the Witness to TruthE. V. Gerhart, D. D.John 15:26-27
Witness, Divine and HumanJ.R. Thomson John 15:26, 27
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
TRUE, Bear, Comforter, Counselor, Father's, Forth, Goes, Helper, Presence, Proceedeth, Proceeds, Spirit, Testify, Truth, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 15:26

     1155   God, truthfulness
     1436   reality
     1444   revelation, NT
     1462   truth, in NT
     1512   Trinity, equality of
     1513   Trinity, mission of
     1652   numbers, 3-5
     2021   Christ, faithfulness
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     3269   Holy Spirit, in Christ
     3293   Holy Spirit, witness of
     5030   knowledge, of Christ
     5263   communication
     5409   metaphor
     5779   advice
     5780   advisers
     5805   comfort
     8135   knowing God, nature of
     8138   monotheism
     8203   character
     8316   orthodoxy, in NT

John 15:26-27

     2427   gospel, transmission
     2505   Christ, ascension
     3035   Holy Spirit, presence of
     3130   Holy Spirit, Counsellor
     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     3296   Holy Spirit, in the world
     5624   witnesses, to Christ
     7726   evangelists, ministry
     7950   mission, of Christ
     7953   mission, of church
     8105   assurance, basis of
     8426   evangelism, motivation
     8498   witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Library
The Comforter
Eversley. Sunday after Ascension Day. 1868. St John xv. 26. "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." Some writers, especially when they are writing hymns, have fallen now-a- days into a habit of writing of the Holy Spirit of God, in a tone of which I dare not say that it is wrong or untrue; but of which I must say, that it is one-sided. And if there are two sides to a matter,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

April 1 Morning
The fruit of the Spirit is joy.--GAL. 5:22. Joy in the Holy Ghost.--Unspeakable and full of glory. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; . . . exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.--We glory in tribulations. Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . . for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame.--These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be fuIl.--As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 8 Morning
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends.--JOHN 15:15. The Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.--God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.--Even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 16 Evening
The deep things of God.--I COR. 2:10. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 21 Morning
Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it.--JOHN 15:2. He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. We glory in tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 13 Morning
Abide in me, and I in you.--JOHN 15:4. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 3 Morning
Be strong, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts.--HAG. 2:4. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.--I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.--Strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.--The joy of the Lord is your strength. Thus said the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets.--Strengthen
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 22 Evening
Keep yourselves in the love of God.--JUDE 21. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. The fruit of the Spirit is love. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 28. "That My Joy Might Remain in You, and that Your Joy Might be Full" (John xv. 11).
"That my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John xv. 11). There is a joy that springs spontaneously in the heart without external or even rational cause. It is an artesian fountain. It rejoices because it cannot help it. It is the glory of God; it is the heart of Christ, it is the joy divine of which He says, "These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." And your joy no man taketh from you. He who possesses this fountain
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 19. "He Purgeth it that it May Bring Forth More Fruit" (John xv. 2).
"He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit" (John xv. 2). Recently we passed a garden. The gardener had just finished his pruning, and the wounds of the knife and saw were just beginning to heal, while the warm April sun was gently nourishing the stricken plant into fresh life and energy. We thought as we looked at that plant how cruel it would be to begin next week and cut it down. Now, the gardener's business is to revive and nourish it into life. Its business is not to die, but to live.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 26. "He Purgeth it that it May Bring Forth More Fruit" (John xv. 2).
"He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit" (John xv. 2). One day we passed a garden. The gardener had finished his pruning, and the wounds of the knife and saw were beginning to heal, while the warm April sun was gently nourishing the stricken plant into fresh life and energy. We thought as we looked at that plant how cruel it would be to begin next week and cut it down again. It would bleed to death. Now, the gardener's business is to revive and nourish into life. Its business is not to
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 13. "Abide in Me" (John xv. 4).
"Abide in Me" (John xv. 4). Christianity may mean nothing more than a religious system. Christian life may mean nothing more than an earnest and honest attempt to follow and imitate Christ. Christ life is more than these, and expresses our actual union with the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is undoubtedly in us as the life and source of all our experience and work. This conception of the highest Christian life is at once simpler and sublimer than any other. We do not teach in these pages, that the purpose
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 25. "I am the vine, Ye are the Branches" (John xv. 5).
"I am the vine, ye are the branches" (John xv. 5). How can I take Christ as my Sanctifier, or Healer? is a question that we are constantly asked. It is necessary first of all that we get into the posture of faith. This has to be done by a definite and voluntary act, and then maintained by a uniform habit. It is just the same as the planting of a tree. You must put it in the soil by a definite act, and then you must let it stay put and remain settled in the ground until the little roots have time
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 28. "Without Me Ye Can do Nothing" (John xv. 5).
"Without Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). How much can I do for Christ? We are accustomed to say.--As much as I can. Have we ever thought we can do more than we can? This thought was lately suggested by the remarks of a Christian friend, who told how God had laid it upon her heart to do something for His cause which was beyond her power, and when she dared to obey Him, He gave her the assurance of His power and resources, and so marvelously met her faith that she was enabled to do more than she
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 13. "He that Abideth in Me and I in Him the Same Bringeth Forth Much Fruit for Apart from Me Ye Can do Nothing" (John xv. 5).
"He that abideth in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for apart from Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). So familiar are the vine and the branches, it is not necessary to explain; only the branches and the vine are one. The vine does not say, I am the central trunk running up and you are the little branches; but I am the whole thing, and you are the whole thing. He counts us partakers of His nature. "Apart from Me ye can do nothing." The husband and the wife, and many more figures
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 20. "Herein is My Father Glorified" (John xv. 8).
"Herein is My Father glorified" (John xv. 8). The true way to glorify God is, for God to show His glory through us, to shine through us as empty vessels reflecting His fulness of grace and power. The sun is glorified when he has a chance to show his light through the crystal window, or reflect it from the spotless mirror or the glassy sea. There is nothing that glorifies God so much as for a weak and helpless man or woman to be able to triumph, through His strength, in places where the highest human
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 15. "Continue Ye in My Love" (John xv. 9).
"Continue ye in My love" (John xv. 9). Many atmospheres there are in which we may live. Some people live in an atmosphere of thought. Their faces are thoughtful, minds intellectual. They live in their ideas, their conceptions of truth, their tastes, and esthetic nature. Some people, again, live in their animal nature, in the lusts of the flesh and eye, the coarse, low atmosphere of a sensuous life, or something worse. Some, again, live in a world of duty. The predominating feature of their life is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The True vine
'I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.'--JOHN xv. 14. WHAT suggested this lovely parable of the vine and the branches is equally unimportant
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Oneness of the Branches
'This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'--JOHN xv. 12, 13. The union between Christ and His disciples has been tenderly set forth in the parable of the Vine and the branches. We now turn to the union between the disciples, which is the consequence of their common union to the Lord. The branches are parts of one whole, and necessarily bear a relation to each other. We may modify for our
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's Friends
'Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Sheep among Wolves
'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.'--JOHN xv. 18-20. These words strike a discord in the midst of the sweet
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The World's Hatred, as Christ Saw It
'But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth Me, hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Our Ally
'But when the Comforter Is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.'--JOHN xv. 26, 27. Our Lord has been speaking of a world hostile to His followers and to Him. He proceeds, in the words which immediately follow our text, to paint that hostility as aggravated even to the pitch of religious murder. But here He lets a beam of light
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The True Branches of the True vine
'I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.'--JOHN xv. 5-8. No wise
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

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