Topical Encyclopedia
The Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, is a central figure in Christian theology, particularly in the context of the New Testament. The term "Comforter" is derived from the Greek word "Parakletos," which can also be translated as "Advocate" or "Helper." The Holy Spirit is understood to be the third person of the Holy Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe promise of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter is primarily found in the Gospel of John. Jesus, in His farewell discourse to His disciples, assures them of the coming of the Holy Spirit. In
John 14:16-17 , Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you."
Further, in
John 14:26 , Jesus specifies the role of the Holy Spirit: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's role in teaching and reminding believers of Christ's teachings, ensuring the continuity of His message and presence.
Sent in the Name of ChristThe sending of the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ signifies the close relationship between Jesus and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit acts as Christ's representative on earth, continuing His work and ministry among believers. In
John 15:26 , Jesus reiterates this connection: "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."
The Holy Spirit's mission is to glorify Christ and to make His presence real in the lives of believers. In
John 16:13-14 , Jesus explains, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you."
Role and FunctionThe Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, fulfills several roles in the life of a believer. He is a teacher, guiding believers into all truth and helping them understand the Scriptures. He is also a source of strength and encouragement, empowering believers to live out their faith boldly. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (
John 16:8-11), drawing individuals to repentance and faith in Christ.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit is instrumental in the process of sanctification, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. He produces spiritual fruit in their lives, as outlined in
Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Indwelling PresenceThe indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of the New Covenant, distinguishing the experience of believers from that of the Old Testament saints. The Spirit's presence within believers is a guarantee of their inheritance in Christ and a seal of their redemption (
Ephesians 1:13-14). This indwelling presence assures believers of their relationship with God and empowers them to live according to His will.
ConclusionThe Holy Spirit, as the Comforter sent in the name of Christ, plays a vital role in the life of the Church and individual believers. His presence ensures that the teachings of Jesus are remembered, understood, and applied, while His power enables believers to live out their faith with boldness and conviction. Through the Holy Spirit, the presence of Christ is made real and active in the world today.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of Prayer in the Name of Christ. He Promises the Spirit of Truth ...
... the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he ... as he had before spoken
of the Spirit: "Yet a ... he referred them again (v.26) to the Holy Ghost, to ...
/.../section 274 of prayer in.htm
The Holy Spirit and the World.
... not understand him, but when the Comforter was come ... and prayers." Those filled with
the Holy Spirit engage in ... relation to the Father, who "has sent his Spirit ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm
The Subordination of the Spirit to the Father and to the Son.
... In John 14:26, we are taught that the Holy Spirit is sent by the ... Jesus declares very
clearly, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter iv the subordination of.htm
The Holy Spirit.
... He would be "sent from the Father;" the Savior would ... Christ, "Ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit.". ... and go away in order that the Comforter might come ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit.htm
On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... Testament [1972] ; let no one say that the Spirit in the ... Son, who promised that He
would send the Comforter from the Father; we know the Holy Ghost, who ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm
The Teacher Spirit
... Teacher which is here given: 'The Comforter, which is ... designation of the teaching
Spirit as holy, there lie ... purifying influences of that divine Spirit on your ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the teacher spirit.htm
On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot
... and the Son is said to be sent and given by ... for another purpose, prove "that the
Holy Spirit is distinguished ... and He shall give you another Comforter." (John 14 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 6 on the holy.htm
The Advocate Promised.
... The Savior now identifies the Comforter with the Holy Spirit, soon to be sent. Whom
the Father will send in my name. What is done in the name of Christ is, not ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the advocate promised.htm
John Chapter xv. 26, 27
... All this did that Holy Spirit when sent, who had ... But when the Comforter is come,
whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcii john chapter xv.htm
Twenty-Fourth Lesson. In My Name;'
... let Thy Holy Spirit teach me this. Thou didst say of Him, The Comforter, whom the
Father shall send IN MY NAME.' He knows what it is to be sent from heaven ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-fourth lesson in my name.htm
Resources
What is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the Holy Spirit (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is "Holy Blood, Holy Grail"? | GotQuestions.orgHoly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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