John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
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What does "John 16:7" mean?
This verse, John 16:7, is a crucial statement by Jesus about the coming of the Holy Spirit after his ascension. Let's break it down:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth:" Jesus is emphasizing the importance and surprising nature of what he's about to say.
"It is to your advantage that I go away..." This is the most challenging part for the disciples. They loved having Jesus physically present with them. How could his departure possibly be better?
The "advantage" lies in the expanded ministry that would follow. While Jesus was physically limited to being in one place at a time, the Holy Spirit would be universally available to all believers.
"...for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you." This is the key to understanding the verse. The sending of the Holy Spirit was contingent upon Jesus' departure.
The Counselor (also translated as Advocate, Helper, or Comforter) is a reference to the Holy Spirit.
Why couldn't the Holy Spirit come fully until Jesus ascended? There are theological interpretations, but a primary one is that the full outpouring of the Spirit was linked to Jesus' completed work of redemption (his death, resurrection, and ascension). He had to finish his earthly mission and be glorified before the Spirit could be sent in fullness.
"But if I go, I will send him to you." This is a promise. Jesus assures them that his departure will not leave them abandoned. He will personally send the Holy Spirit.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is telling his disciples that while his physical presence is comforting and valuable, his departure is ultimately more beneficial because it will pave the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit (the Counselor). The Holy Spirit's arrival depends on Jesus completing his work on earth and ascending to heaven. Once that happens, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with them and all believers.
Key Implications:
Universality of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit would not be geographically limited like Jesus' physical presence.
Empowerment: The Holy Spirit would empower believers to carry on Jesus' work in the world.
New Covenant Fulfillment: The coming of the Spirit is often seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a new covenant and a renewed relationship with God.
This verse highlights the transition from Jesus' physical ministry to the era of the Church, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and spread the Gospel.
John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
What does "John 16:7" mean?
This verse, John 16:7, is a crucial statement by Jesus about the coming of the Holy Spirit after his ascension. Let's break it down:
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth:" Jesus is emphasizing the importance and surprising nature of what he's about to say.
"It is to your advantage that I go away..." This is the most challenging part for the disciples. They loved having Jesus physically present with them. How could his departure possibly be better?
The "advantage" lies in the expanded ministry that would follow. While Jesus was physically limited to being in one place at a time, the Holy Spirit would be universally available to all believers.
"...for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you." This is the key to understanding the verse. The sending of the Holy Spirit was contingent upon Jesus' departure.
The Counselor (also translated as Advocate, Helper, or Comforter) is a reference to the Holy Spirit.
Why couldn't the Holy Spirit come fully until Jesus ascended? There are theological interpretations, but a primary one is that the full outpouring of the Spirit was linked to Jesus' completed work of redemption (his death, resurrection, and ascension). He had to finish his earthly mission and be glorified before the Spirit could be sent in fullness.
"But if I go, I will send him to you." This is a promise. Jesus assures them that his departure will not leave them abandoned. He will personally send the Holy Spirit.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus is telling his disciples that while his physical presence is comforting and valuable, his departure is ultimately more beneficial because it will pave the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit (the Counselor). The Holy Spirit's arrival depends on Jesus completing his work on earth and ascending to heaven. Once that happens, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with them and all believers.
Key Implications:
Universality of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit would not be geographically limited like Jesus' physical presence.
Empowerment: The Holy Spirit would empower believers to carry on Jesus' work in the world.
New Covenant Fulfillment: The coming of the Spirit is often seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a new covenant and a renewed relationship with God.
This verse highlights the transition from Jesus' physical ministry to the era of the Church, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and spread the Gospel.