The “Spirit of truth” mentioned
in John 14:17 is a reference to the Holy Spirit. This term highlights one of the key roles and attributes of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and the world. To deeply understand this, let’s explore the context of the passage, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of the title “Spirit of truth.”
### Context of John 14:17
John 14:15-17 (NIV):
> “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, just before His crucifixion. He promises to send “another advocate” (or “another Helper” or “another Comforter” depending on the translation), who is the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will continue His work after He departs.
### The Role and Attributes of the Holy Spirit
1. **Paraclete (Advocate/Helper/Comforter):**
– The Greek word used for “advocate” is “Parakletos,” which means someone who is called alongside to help. This term indicates that the Holy Spirit will be a helper, counselor, and comforter for the disciples, just as Jesus was during His earthly ministry.
2. **Indwelling Presence:**
– Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will live with and in the believers. This signifies a permanent indwelling presence, unlike the temporary and external presence of the Spirit in the Old Testament.
3. **Teacher and Remembrancer:**
– Later in John 14:26, Jesus states, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit will teach the disciples and help them recall Jesus’ teachings.
4. **Guide into All Truth:**
– In John 16:13, Jesus expands on this role: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, providing divine insight and understanding.
### Significance of the Title “Spirit of Truth”
1. **Source of Truth:**
– The Holy Spirit is the source of divine truth. He reveals the truth about God, Jesus, and the gospel. This truth is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses the fullness of God’s revelation and the reality of His kingdom.
2. **Rejection by the World:**
– Jesus notes that the world cannot accept the Spirit of truth because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. The world’s rejection is due to its inability to comprehend spiritual truths and its opposition to God’s ways.
3. **Relationship with Believers:**
– Believers, however, know the Holy Spirit because He dwells with them and in them. This intimate relationship allows believers to understand and live by the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals.
### Theological Implications
1. **Continuity of Jesus’ Ministry:**
– The Holy Spirit continues the work of Jesus after His ascension. He empowers believers to live out their faith, understand Jesus’ teachings, and witness to the world.
2. **Revelation and Inspiration:**
– The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in inspiring the authors of the New Testament. He continues to illuminate Scripture for believers, helping them understand and apply God’s word.
3. **Sanctification:**
– The Holy Spirit is essential in the process of sanctification, transforming believers to be more like Christ. He convicts of sin, empowers righteous living, and produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
### Summary
The “Spirit of truth” in John 14:17 is the Holy Spirit, who is sent by the Father at the request of Jesus to be an Advocate, Helper, and Comforter for believers. He indwells believers, teaches them, reminds them of Jesus’ teachings, and guides them into all truth. The title “Spirit of truth” emphasizes His role in revealing divine truth, continuing Jesus’ ministry, and transforming believers. The world’s inability to accept the Holy Spirit contrasts with the intimate relationship believers have with Him, highlighting the transformative power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life.