Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14:16

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever," — John 14:16 (ASV)

With the preceding words, Jesus returned from the answer to Philip’s question to the more general theme of preparation for his departure. His absence would make more difficult the realization of the person of the Father whom he represented. In his place, however, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, the “Counselor” (parakletos; GK 4156; lit., “a person summoned to one’s aid”). The Spirit’s function is to represent God to the believer as Jesus did in his incarnate state. The concept of the Holy Spirit was not new, for the Spirit of God had been active in the OT (6:3; 13:24–25; 14:6, 19; 15:14; Zechariah 7:12). John the Baptist had predicted that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8). In his discussion of the new birth, Jesus had already spoken to Nicodemus of the work of the Holy Spirit . The ministry of the Spirit, however, would be directed primarily to the disciples. He would direct their decisions, counsel them continually, and remain with them forever. The world would not understand the Spirit since it would not recognize him. His presence was already with the disciples insofar as they were under his influence. Later, after Jesus departed, he would indwell them. This indwelling of the Spirit is the specific privilege of the Christian believer .