John 16:7
But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
But I tell you the truth
This phrase underscores the sincerity and authority of Jesus' words. The Greek word for "truth" is "aletheia," which signifies not just factual accuracy but also divine reality. Jesus, as the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), assures His disciples that what He is about to say is not only true but essential for their understanding and spiritual growth. In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus' truth is a firm foundation.

it is for your benefit
The Greek word "sympherei" is used here, meaning "to bring together" or "to be profitable." Jesus emphasizes that His departure is advantageous for the disciples. This statement challenges the immediate emotional response of loss, inviting the disciples to trust in God's greater plan. Historically, this reflects the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to the era of the Holy Spirit, marking a new phase in God's redemptive work.

that I am going away
The phrase "going away" refers to Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and ascension. This departure is not abandonment but a necessary step in the divine plan. Theologically, it signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly intercession. The disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission would deepen as they witnessed these events unfold.

Unless I go away
This conditional statement highlights the necessity of Jesus' departure for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "ean" (unless) introduces a condition that must be met for the subsequent promise to be fulfilled. This reflects the divine order and timing in God's plan, where each event is intricately connected to the fulfillment of His purposes.

the Advocate
The term "Advocate" is translated from the Greek "Parakletos," meaning "one who is called alongside to help." This title for the Holy Spirit encompasses roles such as Comforter, Counselor, and Helper. The Advocate's presence would empower the disciples, guiding them into all truth and equipping them for their mission. This promise assures believers of God's continual presence and support.

will not come to you
The coming of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon Jesus' departure. This highlights the unique roles within the Trinity and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The Spirit's coming would inaugurate a new era of intimacy and empowerment for the disciples, enabling them to carry forward the mission of Christ with divine assistance.

but if I go
This phrase reiterates the necessity of Jesus' departure. The "if" here is not a question of possibility but a statement of certainty. Jesus' going is part of the divine plan, and His assurance reflects the certainty of the Spirit's coming. This transition from Jesus' physical presence to the Spirit's indwelling presence marks a profound shift in how God relates to His people.

I will send Him to you
The promise of sending the Holy Spirit is a testament to Jesus' ongoing care and provision for His followers. The Greek verb "pempo" (to send) indicates a deliberate and purposeful action. This sending is an act of divine love, ensuring that the disciples are not left as orphans (John 14:18) but are empowered to continue the work of the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit's presence would be a source of strength, guidance, and comfort, fulfilling Jesus' promise to be with His followers always.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Advocate (Paraclete)
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who will come to guide, comfort, and empower the disciples after Jesus' ascension.

3. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, who are being prepared for the transition from Jesus' physical presence to the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.

4. The Ascension
The event of Jesus' departure from earth to heaven, which is necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

5. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
A pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the beginning of the Church's mission empowered by the Spirit.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Jesus' Departure
Jesus' physical departure was essential for the spiritual empowerment of His followers through the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit acts as a guide, comforter, and source of strength for believers, continuing Jesus' work on earth.

Trust in God's Plan
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when it involves difficult transitions or changes.

Empowerment for Mission
The coming of the Holy Spirit equips believers for the mission of spreading the Gospel and living out their faith.

Living by the Spirit
Christians are called to live by the Spirit, allowing His presence to transform their lives and produce spiritual fruit.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate change your perspective on Jesus' departure?

2. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and comfort in your daily life?

3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit empower you to fulfill the Great Commission in your own context?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the Holy Spirit's presence in a tangible way. How did it impact your faith journey?

5. How can you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, in light of the Holy Spirit's role as the Advocate?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:8
This verse connects to the promise of the Holy Spirit empowering the disciples to be witnesses, fulfilling Jesus' promise in John 16:7.

John 14:16-17
Jesus previously promised the coming of the Advocate, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and dwelling with believers.

Romans 8:26-27
Highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in interceding for believers, aligning with the function of the Advocate mentioned in John 16:7.

Galatians 5:22-23
Describes the fruit of the Spirit, illustrating the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

Ephesians 1:13-14
Speaks of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance, reinforcing the importance of the Spirit's presence promised in John 16:7.
Absent in the Body, Present by the SpiritD. Young John 16:7
Christ Going AwayA. Maclaren, D. D.John 16:7
Christ in Heaven Better than Christ on EarthT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 16:7
Christ More Useful Within the VeilJohn 16:7
Christ's Ascension the Church's GainJohn Crofts.John 16:7
Christ's Departure and Paul's AbidingA. Maclaren, D. D.John 16:7
Christ's Going Away Our GainArchdeacon Manning.John 16:7
Death the InterpreterLyman Abbott, D. D.John 16:7
ExpediencyP. B. Power, M. A.John 16:7
Expediency of Christ's DepartureB. Thomas John 16:7
Expediency of the AscensionCanon Liddon.John 16:7
Expedient AbsenceT. Manton.John 16:7
Gain in the Saviour's LossA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.John 16:7
Jesus InvisibleA. Vinet, D. D.John 16:7
Of the Sending of the Holy GhostBp. Andrewes.John 16:7
Our Lord's Ascension the Church's GainCannon Liddon.John 16:7
Second Sermon for Fourth Sunday After EasterSusannah Winkworth John 16:7
Self-HelpCharles KingsleyJohn 16:7
Sermon for the Fourth Sunday After EasterSusannah Winkworth John 16:7
The Absenteeism of ChristJ. Forfar.John 16:7
The Advantages of Christ's DepartureJ.R. Thomson John 16:7
The Departed ChristH. W. Beecher.John 16:7
The Departing Christ and the Coming SpiritAlexander MaclarenJohn 16:7
The Departure of ChristH. B. Robinson.John 16:7
The Expediency of Christ's AbsenceWeekly PulpitJohn 16:7
The Gift of PentecostBp. S. Wilberforce.John 16:7
The Greatest Trials Leading to the Greatest BlessingsD. Thomas, D. D.John 16:7
The Ministry of the ComforterJ. Parker, D. D.John 16:7
The ParacleteT. Hamilton, D. D.John 16:7
The Preference Due to the Holy SpiritJ. Bennett, D. D.John 16:7
The Spirit not Striving AlwaysCharles G. Finney John 16:7
The Superlative Excellence of the Holy SpiritC. H. Spurgeon.John 16:7
The Work of the Holy SpiritG. W. Brown.John 16:7
We Need not Lament Christ's Departure into HeavenH. W. Beecher.John 16:7
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Advantage, Advocate, Better, Comforter, Counselor, Depart, Expedient, Helper, Nevertheless, Profitable, Saying, Telling, Truth, Unless, Won't, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 16:7

     1462   truth, in NT
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     1513   Trinity, mission of
     2021   Christ, faithfulness
     2505   Christ, ascension
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     4966   present, the
     5409   metaphor
     5805   comfort
     8203   character

John 16:5-10

     2505   Christ, ascension

John 16:5-21

     3215   Holy Spirit, and peace

John 16:7-8

     3212   Holy Spirit, and mission
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     6173   guilt, and God

John 16:7-11

     1436   reality
     3035   Holy Spirit, presence of
     3130   Holy Spirit, Counsellor
     3296   Holy Spirit, in the world
     5031   knowledge, of sin
     8498   witnessing, and Holy Spirit

John 16:7-15

     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of

Library
Presence in Absence
Eversley, third Sunday after Easter. 1862. St John xvi. 16. "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father." Divines differ, and, perhaps, have always differed, about the meaning of these words. Some think that our Lord speaks in them of His death and resurrection. Others that He speaks of His ascension and coming again in glory. I cannot decide which is right. I dare not decide. It is a very solemn thing--too solemn
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

November 6 Evening
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me--PSA. 25:5. When . . . the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth.--Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.--All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 29 Evening
Do ye now believe?--JOHN 16:31. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.--Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 14 Morning
The fellowship of His sufferings.--PHI. 3:10. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.--In the world ye shall have tribulation.--Because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. I looked for some to take pity, but there was none.--At my
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 21 Morning
The days of thy mourning shall be ended.--ISA. 60:20. In the world ye shall have tribulation.--The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.--We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 15 Evening
The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.--ROM. 8:27. Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.--Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 15. "He Will Guide You into all Truth" (John xvi. 13).
"He will guide you into all truth" (John xvi. 13). The Holy Ghost does not come to give us extraordinary manifestations, but to give its life and light, and the nearer we come to Him, the more simple will His illumination and leading be. He comes to "guide us into all truth." He comes to shed light upon our own hearts, and to show us ourselves. He comes to reveal Christ, to give, and then to illumine, the Holy Scriptures, and to make Divine realities vivid and clear to our spiritual apprehension.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 29. "Whatsoever Ye Shall Ask the Father in My Name, He Will Give it You" (John xvi. 23).
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you" (John xvi. 23). Two men go to the bank cashier, both holding in their hands a piece of paper. One is dressed in expensive style, and presents a gloved and jeweled hand; the other is a rough, unwashed workman. The first is rejected with a polite sentence, and the second receives a thousand dollars over the counter. What is the difference? The one presented a worthless name; the other handed in a note endorsed by the president of
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 5. "I have Overcome the World" (John xvi. 33).
"I have overcome the world" (John xvi. 33). Christ has overcome for us every one of our four terrible foes--Sin, Sickness, Sorrow, Satan. He has borne our Sin, and we may lay all, even down to our sinfulness itself, on Him. "I have overcome for thee." He has borne our sickness, and we may detach ourselves from our old infirmities and rise into His glorious life and strength. He has borne our sorrows, and we must not even carry a care, but rejoice evermore, and even glory in tribulations also. And
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Self-Help
ST. JOHN xvi. 7. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. This is a deep and strange saying. How can it be expedient, useful, or profitable, for any human being that Christ should go away from them? To be in Christ's presence; to see his face; to hear his voice;--would not this be the most expedient and profitable, yea, the most blessed and blissful of things which could befall us? Is it not
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

From' and 'to'
'I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.'--JOHN xvi. 28. These majestic and strange words are the proper close of our Lord's discourse, what follows being rather a reply to the disciples' exclamation. There is nothing absolutely new in them, but what is new is the completeness and the brevity with which they cover the whole ground of His being, work, and glory. They fall into two halves, each consisting of two clauses; the former half
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Peace and victory
'These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.'--JOHN xvi. 33. So end these wonderful discourses, and so ends our Lord's teaching before His passion. He gathers up in one mighty word the total intention of these sweet and deep sayings which we have so long been pondering together. He sketches in broad outline the continual characteristics of the disciples' life, and closes all with the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Why Christ Speaks
'These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But these things have I told you, that, when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go My way to Him that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Guide into all Truth
'I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.'--JOHN xvi. 12-15. This is our Lord's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's 'little Whiles'
'A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of His disciples among themselves, What is this that He saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that He saith, A little while? we cannot tell what He saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

'In that Day'
'And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.'--JOHN xvi. 23, 24. Our Lord here sums up the prerogatives and privileges of His servants in the day that was about to dawn and to last till He came again. There is nothing absolutely new in the words; substantially the promises contained in them have appeared in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Joys of 'that Day'
'These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in My Name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God.'--JOHN xvi. 25-27. The stream which we have been tracking for so long in these discourses has now nearly reached its close. Our Lord,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Glad Confession and Sad Warning
'His disciples said unto Jesus, Lo! now speakest Thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask Thee: by this we believe that Thou earnest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.' --JOHN xvi. 29-32. The first words of these wonderful
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Departing Christ and the Coming Spirit
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will convince the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.'--JOHN xvi. 7, 8. We read these words in the light of all that has gone after, and to us they are familiar and almost thread-bare. But if we would appreciate their sublimity, we must think away nineteen centuries, and all Christendom,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Convicting Facts
'Of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.'--JOHN xvi. 9-11. Our Lord has just been telling His disciples how He will equip them, as His champions, for their conflict with the world. A divine Spirit is coming to them who will work in them and through them; and by their simple and unlettered testimony will 'convict,' or convince, the mass of ungodly men of error and crime in regard
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Nevertheless I Tell You the Truth; it is Expedient for You that I Go Away; for if I Go not Away
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them
Charles G. Finney—Lectures to Professing Christians

June the Second Our Spiritual Guide
"When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth." --JOHN xvi. 7-14. How great is the difference between a guide-post and a guide! And what a difference between a guide-book and a companion! Mere instructions may be very uninspiring, and bare commandments may be very cold. Our Guide is an inseparable Friend. And how will He guide us? He will give us insight. "He will guide you into all truth." He will refine our spirits so that we may be able to distinguish "things that
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Loved in the Beloved.
(Third Sunday in Advent, 1831.) TEXT: JOHN xvi. 27. "For the Father Himself loveth you, be cause ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father." THAT was a great word of the Saviour about Himself on which we lately spoke together, in which He represented Himself as from of old the one object of desire and longing to all the best part of mankind, to those who were nearest to God and had received most teaching from Him: but this is a still greater saying, in which He sets Himself
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Spirit not Striving Always.
"And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man."-Gen. vi. 3. IN speaking from this text I shall pursue the following outline of thought, and attempt to show: I. What is implied in the assertion, My Spirit shall not always strive with man; II. What is not intended by the Spirit's striving; III. What is intended by it; IV. How it maybe known when the Spirit strives with an individual; V. What is intended by His not striving always; VI. Why He will not always strive; and, VII. Some consequences
Charles G. Finney—Sermons on Gospel Themes

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