THE COMFORTER

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”(John 14:16 KJV)

“A comforter is one who stands alongside of one in need, to strengthen” (ref: A.W. Pink, Commentary on John and Hebrews, [John 14:12-20]).

The SPIRIT comforts me as Jesus comforted the disciples in their abiding with Him.  “…the office of the Spirit…is to furnish to all Christians the instruction and consolation which would be given by the personal presence of Jesus” (ref: Thomas Constable,“Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable,” [John 14:16], www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/john-14.html2012)

The SPIRIT comforts me in my work.  My work is the same as CHRIST’s—to present the kingdom of GOD to man.  The SPIRIT is mine because I do not have CHRIST with skin on.

The word “Comforter” in John 14:16 is “…translated in our English Version ‘Comforter,’ and partially introduced into the English language as ‘Paraclete,’ means properly, One called to stand by us for our help, our Advocate, Helper, Representative. ‘Comforter’ is not its meaning” (ref: Philip Schaff, Schaff’s Popular Commentary on the New Testament, [John 14:16], www.studylight.org/commentaries/sch/john-14.html1879-90).

The SPIRIT does not comfort me just because world living is tough and I need comfort.  His comfort does not glorify me—is not for my well-being. He is not given to make me feel good.

The word, “Comforter” tends “to make believers think less of strength than of comfort, of the experience of a private Christian who needs consolation instead of that of one who has to face the opposition of the world in his Master’s cause.  The ‘Paraclete’ is really One who stands by our side, sustains us in our Christian calling, and breathes into us ever new measures of a spirit of boldness and daring in the warfare we have to wage” (ref: Philip Schaff, Schaff’s Popular Commentary on the New Testament, [John 14:16], www.studylight.org/commentaries/sch/john-14.html1879-90).

FATHER, I desire to experience the “Comforter” as I venture into this resisting-You world.  I want to speak and act in Your behalf.