John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

Generated Verse: John 14:26

What does "John 14:26" mean?


John 14:26 is a crucial verse in understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Let's break it down:

"But the Counselor..." The word "Counselor" (sometimes translated as "Advocate," "Helper," or "Comforter") in the original Greek is Parakletos. It refers to someone who is called alongside to help, advocate, or advise. Jesus is introducing a new helper who will take on a similar role after he ascends to the Father.

"...the Holy Spirit..." This clearly identifies who the Counselor is: the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

"...whom the Father will send in my name..." This emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's coming is initiated by the Father, but it is "in Jesus' name." This means the Holy Spirit's work is authorized and carries the weight of Jesus' authority. It also suggests that the Holy Spirit's presence and work are a direct result of Jesus' work and departure. The Father sending the Spirit "in Jesus' name" also means the Spirit will reveal Jesus, glorify Jesus, and continue Jesus' work.

"...he will teach you all things..." This doesn't mean believers will suddenly know everything. Rather, it means the Holy Spirit will guide them into a deeper understanding of truth. This includes spiritual truths, moral truths, and even practical wisdom for daily living. It implies ongoing revelation and illumination from God.

"...and will remind you of all that I said to you." This is particularly significant for the disciples who were with Jesus during his earthly ministry. It suggests that the Holy Spirit would bring back to their remembrance the teachings, events, and significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This would be essential for them to accurately preach the Gospel and establish the early church. This function of the Spirit is also important for believers today, as He helps us to understand and apply the teachings of Jesus found in the Bible.

In Summary:

This verse promises that after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit will be sent by the Father (but in Jesus' name) to:

1. Provide comfort and support (Counselor/Helper).
2. Teach and guide believers into a deeper understanding of truth.
3. Remind believers of Jesus' teachings and their significance.

Implications for Believers Today:

Dependence on the Holy Spirit: It encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding, guidance, and empowerment.
Continued Revelation: The Holy Spirit continues to reveal truth and apply it to our lives.
Understanding the Bible: The Holy Spirit helps us understand the scriptures and apply them to our daily lives.
Empowerment for Witness: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the Gospel effectively.

Therefore, John 14:26 is not just a historical statement about the early church. It's a promise of God's continued presence and active involvement in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with God and enabling us to live a life that honors Him.