John 15:26 - “When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.
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What does "John 15:26" mean?
John 15:26 is a rich verse packed with theological significance. Let's break it down piece by piece to understand its meaning:
"When the Counselor has come..."
The Counselor: This refers to the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used here, Parakletos, means advocate, comforter, helper, intercessor, or one who stands alongside to aid. It's not just about feeling good, but about receiving divine assistance and guidance.
"has come": Jesus is speaking prospectively. The Holy Spirit had not yet been fully given. This was fulfilled after Jesus' ascension, particularly on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
"...whom I will send to you from the Father..."
"I will send": Jesus claims the authority to send the Holy Spirit. This indicates Jesus' divine status and his intimate relationship with the Father. It shows that the Spirit's coming is not just a random event, but part of a coordinated divine plan.
"from the Father": The Holy Spirit originates from the Father. This highlights the Holy Spirit's divine nature, co-equality, and co-eternality with the Father.
"...the Spirit of truth..."
"the Spirit of truth": This is a key characteristic of the Holy Spirit. He is the source of truth, reveals truth, and guides believers into truth. He is contrasted with the "spirit of error" or the "spirit of falsehood." This emphasizes the Spirit's role in discerning truth from falsehood, especially in matters of faith and doctrine.
"...who proceeds from the Father..."
"who proceeds from the Father": This is a significant theological statement about the Holy Spirit's origin. The word "proceeds" is a technical term used to describe the relationship between the Father and the Holy Spirit. It asserts that the Spirit's origin is with the Father. (Note: The addition of "and the Son" in the filioque clause is a point of contention between Eastern and Western Christian traditions.)
"...he will testify about me."
"he will testify about me": This is the core purpose of the Holy Spirit's coming. The Spirit's primary role is to bear witness to Jesus. This testimony can take many forms:
Empowering believers to share the Gospel: The Spirit provides the boldness and ability to speak about Jesus effectively.
Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment: The Spirit works in the hearts of unbelievers, revealing their need for Jesus.
Illuminating the Scriptures: The Spirit helps believers understand the true meaning of the Bible and how it points to Jesus.
Confirming the truth of Jesus' identity and teachings: The Spirit provides internal assurance and confirmation to believers.
Producing Christ-like character in believers: As believers are filled with the Spirit, they increasingly reflect the character of Jesus.
In summary, this verse teaches that:
The Holy Spirit is a distinct person of the Trinity, sent by Jesus from the Father.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, who guides believers into all truth.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (and, in Western theology, also the Son).
The Holy Spirit's primary mission is to testify about Jesus Christ, pointing people to him and glorifying him.
The implications of this verse are significant for Christians:
We can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth and understanding of God's Word.
We should pray for the Holy Spirit's power and guidance in sharing the Gospel with others.
We can trust that the Holy Spirit will confirm the truth of Jesus in our hearts and lives.
We should seek to live in accordance with the Spirit's leading, allowing him to transform us into the likeness of Christ.
John 15:26 - “When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.
What does "John 15:26" mean?
John 15:26 is a rich verse packed with theological significance. Let's break it down piece by piece to understand its meaning:
"When the Counselor has come..."
The Counselor: This refers to the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used here, Parakletos, means advocate, comforter, helper, intercessor, or one who stands alongside to aid. It's not just about feeling good, but about receiving divine assistance and guidance.
"has come": Jesus is speaking prospectively. The Holy Spirit had not yet been fully given. This was fulfilled after Jesus' ascension, particularly on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
"...whom I will send to you from the Father..."
"I will send": Jesus claims the authority to send the Holy Spirit. This indicates Jesus' divine status and his intimate relationship with the Father. It shows that the Spirit's coming is not just a random event, but part of a coordinated divine plan.
"from the Father": The Holy Spirit originates from the Father. This highlights the Holy Spirit's divine nature, co-equality, and co-eternality with the Father.
"...the Spirit of truth..."
"the Spirit of truth": This is a key characteristic of the Holy Spirit. He is the source of truth, reveals truth, and guides believers into truth. He is contrasted with the "spirit of error" or the "spirit of falsehood." This emphasizes the Spirit's role in discerning truth from falsehood, especially in matters of faith and doctrine.
"...who proceeds from the Father..."
"who proceeds from the Father": This is a significant theological statement about the Holy Spirit's origin. The word "proceeds" is a technical term used to describe the relationship between the Father and the Holy Spirit. It asserts that the Spirit's origin is with the Father. (Note: The addition of "and the Son" in the filioque clause is a point of contention between Eastern and Western Christian traditions.)
"...he will testify about me."
"he will testify about me": This is the core purpose of the Holy Spirit's coming. The Spirit's primary role is to bear witness to Jesus. This testimony can take many forms:
Empowering believers to share the Gospel: The Spirit provides the boldness and ability to speak about Jesus effectively.
Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment: The Spirit works in the hearts of unbelievers, revealing their need for Jesus.
Illuminating the Scriptures: The Spirit helps believers understand the true meaning of the Bible and how it points to Jesus.
Confirming the truth of Jesus' identity and teachings: The Spirit provides internal assurance and confirmation to believers.
Producing Christ-like character in believers: As believers are filled with the Spirit, they increasingly reflect the character of Jesus.
In summary, this verse teaches that:
The Holy Spirit is a distinct person of the Trinity, sent by Jesus from the Father.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, who guides believers into all truth.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (and, in Western theology, also the Son).
The Holy Spirit's primary mission is to testify about Jesus Christ, pointing people to him and glorifying him.
The implications of this verse are significant for Christians:
We can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth and understanding of God's Word.
We should pray for the Holy Spirit's power and guidance in sharing the Gospel with others.
We can trust that the Holy Spirit will confirm the truth of Jesus in our hearts and lives.
We should seek to live in accordance with the Spirit's leading, allowing him to transform us into the likeness of Christ.