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The Promised Helper - John 14
The Promised Helper - John 14
As the last evening of the life of Jesus is drawing to a close, he has a private discussion with his apostles to encourage and prepare them for his coming death and departure. He promises that they will have ‘another comforter’ that he himself would send to them. The ESV consistently translates this as ‘helper’ (14:14.16, 26, 15:26, 16:7). . He identifies this specifically as the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.
The word translated ‘helper’ is from the Greek word ‘paraclete’ which literally means one ‘called alongside’. One writer stated: "The common meaning of paraklētos in the ancient world was “one who gives legal assistance.” This is what the original reader of John would have thought of. Therefore, “Advocate” (NRSV) is an acceptable translation if understood in a legal sense. “Counselor” (NIV) is also a good translation if understood in a legal sense, as one attorney might address another. He is “counselor” in the sense of “the judge appointed legal counsel for the accused.” “Helper” (NASB) is also a useful translation, but not in the sense of a subordinate/ assistant. A paraklētos is a superior or equal helper. Elsewhere John uses this term of Jesus, our advocate who “speaks to the Father in our defense” (1 John 2:1).”*
Specifically the ‘helper’ would be there to insure the success of their commission. They were to teach the world what Jesus had taught them (Mtt. 28:18-19). HOW could they remember all of that? Jesus had been teaching them for about 3 years. That is a lot to remember! This is where the Spirit would indeed be their helper.
"These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:25–26).
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:13).
It is this promise that gives us confidence in the teaching of the Apostles. The teaching is not theirs but from God. Our faith does not rest upon the memory abilities of the apostles but upon the power of God. We can trust that what the apostles taught is the very teaching of Jesus our Savior.
Hugh DeLong
The College Press NIV Commentary: JOHN; Beauford H. Bryant & Mark S. Krause, Logos Edition,
