Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14:25

"These things have I spoken unto you, while [yet] abiding with you." — John 14:25 (ASV)

Jesus now resumed his teaching on the Holy Spirit because Judas’s question evoked it. Through the Spirit Jesus’ presence would be perpetuated among them. The phrase “in my name [GK 3950]” (cf. vv.13, 14) means that the Spirit would be Jesus’ officially delegated representative to act in his behalf. Just as Jesus himself demonstrated the personality and character of God to others, so after his departure the Holy Spirit would make the living Christ real to his followers. The function of the Spirit is teaching. He instructs from within and recalls to the memory what Jesus taught. The Spirit will, therefore, impress the commandments of Jesus on the minds of his disciples and thus prompt them to obedience.