NOTES for Joh 14:26

The Russian translation of the Greek word "Parakletos" emphasizes only one meaning of this many-sided word. And at times we expect from the Holy Spirit above all consolation in our sorrows. But let us notice that Jesus speaks of entirely different works of the Spirit, works more closely related to other translations of His Name. A parakletos was an advocate in a court session, one who could prompt the defendant in right behavior and right words. That the Holy Spirit gives strength and words for witness to Christ is said in other places of the New Testament as well (see Matt. 10:19-20; John 15:26; Acts 1:8). But the Spirit not only puts words into the mouth; He brings love and truth into the heart, and love and truth themselves become the source of all our relationships, the moving force of all our actions. This happened with the apostles at Pentecost, and it will happen with us too, if only we ask for it, because "the heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Luke 11:13).