In chapters 14–16 of the Gospel of John, we read a unique term that refers to the Holy Spirit. As transliterated from Greek, the term is “paraclete.” The first part of the word means “alongside” as in parallel, and the second means “called.” Together the two give us the idea of “one called alongside of.”
Such is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. A variety of English words is used in various versions of the New Testament to translate paraclete in its reference to God’s Spirit such as comforter, helper, advocate and counselor.
In the first of these occurrences in John 14:15–18, the indwelling is God’s provision for our inadequacy or loneliness. Jesus had been with the disciples for three years or so. As He made preparation for His departure at the Ascension, He promised that the coming of the Spirit would be “to help you and be with you forever” (v. 16). Jesus was promising His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans (v. 18). Not only did He promise that the Spirit would be with them, but Jesus also declared He would be in them (v. 17).
Abide forever
Not only this, Jesus also promised that this indwelling of the Spirit would never forsake us but abide forever (v. 16).
The fulfillment of this promise began on the Day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out upon a larger group than just the 11 disciples, accompanied by the sound of a rushing mighty wind (Acts 2:1–2).
From our passage in John 14 we can deduce several important truths about the indwelling Paraclete. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal “it” but a personal “He,” which truth is stated in both verses 16 and 17. Just as God is personal and Jesus was personal during the days of His flesh, so the Holy Spirit brings us the personal presence of God.
Furthermore, the Spirit is God’s abiding presence in His people. Jesus put it this way: “He will abide with you forever” (v. 16). He explained further that the Spirit’s indwelling would be the fulfillment of His promise not to leave His disciples as orphans but to come to them again (v. 17).
The indwelling Paraclete not only brings to us the abiding presence of Christ with us but also supplies the power to live the Christian life and serve God fruitfully.
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