The Paraclete is a term used in Christianity to refer to the Holy Spirit, especially in his role as comforter and defender of believers.
The word "Paraclete" comes from the Greek "παράκλητος" (paraklētos), meaning "called together," "comforter," or "advocate." In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises to send the Paraclete to his disciples after his ascension:
- "And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will be with you forever" (John 14:16).
- "But the Advocate, 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 have said to you" (John 14:26).
The Paraclete is described as:
1. Comforter: Offers comfort and peace in times of pain and difficulty.
2. Defender: Defends and protects believers from the accusations and attacks of the enemy.
3. Teacher: Teaches and guides believers in the truth and will of God.
4. Reminder: Reminds believers of Jesus' teachings and promises.
In short, the Paraclete is the Holy Spirit who acts as comforter, defender, teacher and reminder of believers, fulfilling Jesus' promise to be with them always.
Yes, in the original Greek text of the Gospel of John, the term used to describe the Holy Spirit is "Παράκλητος" (Paraklētos). This Greek word is commonly translated as "Paraclete" in English.
The term "Paraclete" is used five times in the Gospel of John:
- John 14:16
- John 14:26
- John 15:26
- John 16:7
- 1 John 2:1
In these contexts, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete, emphasizing his role as comforter, defender, and guide for believers.
The word "Paraclete" has several connotations in Greek, including:
- Dildo
- Advocate
- Lawyer
- Intercessor
- Helper
In short, the term "Paraclete" is a title that describes the Holy Spirit as the comforter and defender of believers, sent by Jesus to guide and strengthen them in their faith.
Here are some additional biblical texts that confirm the role of the Paraclete:
*Dildo*
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..."
- Isaiah 51:12: "I, even I, am he who comforts you; how then do you fear man who is like grass?"
*Advocate*
- 1 John 2:1: "My little children, I am writing these things to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."
- Romans 8:34: "Who shall condemn? Christ is he who died and was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us."
*Teacher*
- John 16:13: "But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but what he hears he will speak, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
- 1 Corinthians 2:13: "We speak not in words of human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual men."
*Reminder*
- John 14:26: "But the Advocate, 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 have said to you."
- Luke 24:49: "And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be clothed with power from on high."
*Other relevant texts*
- John 15:26: "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me."
- Acts 2:33: "Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you now see and hear."
- Ephesians 4:30: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
What are the 7 functions of the Paraclete?
According to the Bible and Christian theology, the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) has several key functions in the lives of believers. Below are 7 functions of the Paraclete:
1. Comforter (John 14:16-18): The Paraclete offers comfort and peace in times of pain and difficulty.
2. Teacher (John 14:26; 16:13): The Paraclete teaches and guides believers in the truth and will of God.
3. Defender (1 John 2:1): The Paraclete defends and protects believers from the accusations and attacks of the enemy.
4. Reminder (John 14:26): The Paraclete reminds believers of Jesus' teachings and promises.
5. Seal of salvation (Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22): The Paraclete seals believers as children of God and guarantees their salvation.
6. Helper in prayer (Romans 8:26-27): The Paraclete helps believers to pray according to God's will.
7. Transformer (2 Corinthians 3:18): The Paraclete transforms believers into the image of Christ, sanctifying them and making them more like Him.
Other biblical texts that describe the functions of the Paraclete include:
- John 15:26; 16:7-11
- Acts 2:33; 5:32
- Romans 8:1-17
- 1 Corinthians 2:13; 6:11
- Galatians 5:22-23
It is important to note that these functions are not exhaustive, since the Paraclete works in a sovereign and diverse way in the lives of believers.
Although the term "Paraclete" is not used explicitly in the Old Testament, there are several references and types that anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit as comforter and advocate. Here are some instances:
*Types and shadows of the Paraclete in the Old Testament:*
1. *The Presence of God*: In the Old Testament, the presence of God is described as a comforting and protective force (Exodus 33:14-15; Deuteronomy 31:6).
2. *The Angel of the Lord*: The Angel of the Lord is described as a defender and protector of God's people (Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 23:20-23).
3. *The Spirit of God*: The Spirit of God is mentioned as a creative and transforming force (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4).
4. *Wisdom*: Wisdom is personified as a guide and defender of the righteous (Proverbs 8:1-36).
*Prophecies that anticipate the coming of the Paraclete:*
1. *Isaiah 11:2*: "And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."
2. *Ezekiel 36:27*: "I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and be careful to obey my commandments."
3. *Joel 2:28-29*: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh..."
*Other relevant passages:*
1. *Psalm 51:11*: "Do not take your Holy Spirit from me."
2. *Psalm 139:7-10*: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?"
3. *Isaiah 63:10-11*: "But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; so he became their enemy, and he himself fought against them."
I hope this presentation has helped you better understand the connection between the Old Testament and the coming of the Paraclete in the New Testament.
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