John 14:16 Study Bible: I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever,--

◄ John 14:16 ►

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever--

And I will ask the Father
In this phrase, Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples, indicating His role as an intercessor. The Greek word for "ask" is "erōtēsō," which implies a request made with familiarity and confidence. This highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, underscoring the unity within the Trinity. Jesus, as the Son, has the authority and privilege to make requests of the Father, emphasizing His divine nature and His ongoing role as our mediator.

and He will give you
The promise of the Father giving something to the disciples is significant. The Greek word "dōsei" (will give) suggests a future action that is certain and assured. This reflects the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. The giving is not based on the merit of the disciples but on the grace and purpose of God. It is a reminder of the generosity and benevolence of the Father, who provides for His children out of His abundant love.

another Advocate
The term "Advocate" is translated from the Greek word "Paraklētos," which can also mean Comforter, Counselor, or Helper. The use of "another" (Greek: "allon") indicates that this Advocate will be of the same kind as Jesus Himself. This points to the Holy Spirit, who will continue the work of Christ among the disciples. The Holy Spirit is a divine person, not merely a force, who comes alongside believers to guide, teach, and empower them for the Christian life.

to be with you forever
The promise of the Advocate's presence "forever" is a profound assurance of the eternal nature of the Holy Spirit's indwelling. The Greek word "eis ton aiōna" (forever) signifies an unending duration, highlighting the permanence of the Spirit's role in the life of a believer. This eternal presence is a source of comfort and strength, ensuring that believers are never alone. It reflects the unbreakable bond between God and His people, secured through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker in this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and promising them the Holy Spirit.

2. The Father
God the Father, to whom Jesus will make the request for the Advocate.

3. The Advocate (Parakletos)
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who will be sent to guide, comfort, and empower the disciples.

4. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' promise, representing all believers who will receive the Holy Spirit.

5. The Upper Room
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus shares His final teachings with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Advocate
The term "Advocate" (Greek: Parakletos) implies a helper, comforter, and counselor. The Holy Spirit is actively involved in guiding and supporting believers in their spiritual journey.

The Permanence of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be with believers "forever," indicating the eternal nature of His presence and support.

The Trinity in Action
This verse highlights the cooperative work of the Trinity: Jesus asks, the Father gives, and the Spirit comes to dwell with believers.

Empowerment for Ministry
The presence of the Holy Spirit equips believers for effective ministry, providing wisdom, strength, and spiritual gifts.

Assurance of God's Presence
Believers can find comfort in knowing that they are never alone; the Holy Spirit is always present to guide and sustain them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as an Advocate change your perspective on facing challenges in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you actively seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your decision-making processes?

3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's eternal presence provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit's guidance or comfort. How did that experience impact your faith journey?

5. How can the understanding of the Trinity's cooperative work in this verse deepen your relationship with God and enhance your prayer life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 16:7
Jesus explains that it is beneficial for Him to go away so that the Advocate can come.

Acts 2:1-4
The fulfillment of this promise occurs at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descends upon the believers.

Romans 8:26-27
The Holy Spirit is described as interceding for believers, aligning with the role of the Advocate.

1 John 2:1
Jesus is also referred to as an advocate, highlighting the continuity of His work through the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14
The Holy Spirit is described as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance, emphasizing His ongoing presence and work.

Sermons

Another Comforter	J. Vaughan, M. A.	John 14:16
Another Comforter	Newman Hall, LL. B.	John 14:16
Another Comforter	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 14:16
Another Comforter	V. R. Thomas.	John 14:16
Another Comforter	John Milne.	John 14:16
Another Comforter	J.R. Thomson	John 14:16
Comfort by the Support of the Indwelling Spirit	T. H. Leary, D. C. L.	John 14:16
God in Us	Bp. S. Wilberforce.	John 14:16
The Comforter	W. R. Clark.	John 14:16
The Comforter	T. Lessey.	John 14:16
The Comforter Given	Alexander Maclaren	John 14:16
The Function of the Spirit of Truth in Relation to Revealed Truth	T. Chalmers, D. D.	John 14:16
The Gift of the Spirit and the Gift of the Son Compared	D. Thomas, D. D.	John 14:16
The Indwelling of the Spirit	C. Hodge, D. D.	John 14:16
The Office of the Spirit	D. Moore, M. A.	John 14:16
The Paraclete	J. Brown, D. D.	John 14:16
The Paraclete	H. Bonar, D. D.	John 14:16
The Paraclete	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 14:16
The Parting Promise	D. Moore, M. A.	John 14:16
The Personality of the Holy Ghost	Charles Haddon Spurgeon	John 14:16
The Praying Christ, the Giving Father, and the Abiding Spirit	A. Maclaren, D. D.	John 14:16
The Saint and the Spirit	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 14:16
The Spirit of Truth	H. Melvill, B. D.	John 14:16
The Spirit of Truth	J. P. Lange, D. D.	John 14:16
The Spirit with You and in You	D. Thomas, D. D.	John 14:16
The Two Paracletes	C. Clemance, D. D.	John 14:16
Willingness to Know the Truth a Condition of the Reception of the Truth	W. Denton, M. A.	John 14:16
Love and Obedience	B. Thomas	John 14:15-17
Another Comforter	D. Young	John 14:16-18

People

Jesus, Judas, Philip, Thomas

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Abide, Advocate, Age, Beg, Comforter, Counselor, Forever, Helper, Prayer, Spirit, Truth

Dictionary of Bible Themes

John 14:16

     2018   Christ, divinity
     2021   Christ, faithfulness
     2360   Christ, prayers of
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     3140   Holy Spirit, teacher
     3212   Holy Spirit, and mission
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     5409   metaphor
     5780   advisers
     5876   helpfulness

John 14:10-24

5627 word

John 14:13-16

2078 Christ, sonship of

John 14:15-16

8297 love, for God

John 14:15-17

8244 ethics, and grace
8412 decisions

John 14:15-19

3215 Holy Spirit, and peace

John 14:15-21

5805 comfort

John 14:16-17

     1150   God, truth of
     1436   reality
     1444   revelation, NT
     1445   revelation, responses
     1462   truth, in NT
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     1513   Trinity, mission of
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3035   Holy Spirit, presence of
     3269   Holy Spirit, in Christ
     5566   suffering, encouragements in
     5854   experience, of God
     7922   fellowship, with God
     8135   knowing God, nature of
     8203   character
     8409   decision-making, and providence
     8416   encouragement, promises

John 14:16-18

     3130   Holy Spirit, Counsellor
     4966   present, the
     6704   peace, divine NT

John 14:16-19

2505 Christ, ascension

Library

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
TEXT: "If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it."--John 14:14. Jesus testified in no uncertain way concerning prayer, for not alone in this chapter does he speak but in all his messages to his disciples he is seeking to lead them into the place where they may know how to pray. In this fourteenth chapter of John, where he is coming into the shadow of the cross and is speaking to his disciples concerning those things which ought to have the greatest weight with them, the heart of his message …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

May 22 Evening
The Spirit helpeth our infirmities.--ROM. 8:26. The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost.--What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?--It is God which worketh in you. We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 7 Morning
The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name.--JOHN 14:26. If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.--If ye . . . being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?--Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 22 Morning
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.--JOHN 14:27. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof.--Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches. and knoweth not who shall gather them.--What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 14 Morning
My Father is greater than I.--JOHN 14:28. When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven.--My Father, and your Father; . . . my God and your God. As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.--The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.--Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Lord, shew us …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 13 Morning
He hath prepared for them a city.--HEB. 11:16. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.--An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.--Here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.--Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 26 Evening
He is able . . . to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.--HEB. 7:25. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.--Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.--He which hath begun a good work …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 23 Morning
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth.--JOHN 14:16,17. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if l depart, I will send him unto you. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.--Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.--The Spirit . . . helpeth our infirmities; …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 21 Evening
The communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.--II COR. 13:14. I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.--He shall not speak of himself. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 29. "He Dwelleth with You and Shall be in You" (John xiv. 17).
"He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" (John xiv. 17). Do not fail to mark these two stages in Christian life. The one is the Spirit's work in us, the other is the Spirit's personal coming to abide within us. All true Christians know the first, but few, it is to be feared, understand and receive the second. There is a great difference between my building a house and my going to reside in that house and make it my home. And there is a great difference between the Holy Spirit's work in regenerating …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 9. "Because I Live Ye Shall Live Also" (John xiv. 19).
"Because I live ye shall live also" (John xiv. 19). After having become adjusted to our Living Head and the source of our life, now our business is to abide, absorb and grow, leaning on His strength, drinking in His life, feeding on Him as the Living Bread, and drawing all of our resources from Him in continual dependence and communion. The Holy Spirit will be the great Teacher and Minister in this blessed process. He will take of the things of Christ and show them unto us, and He will impart them …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 21. "We Will Come unto Him and Make Our Abode with Him" (John xiv. 23).
"We will come unto Him and make our abode with Him" (John xiv. 23). The Bible has always held out two great promises respecting Christ. First, I will come to you; and, second, I will come into you. For four thousand years the world looked forward to the fulfilment of the first. The other is the secret which Paul says has been hid from ages and generations, but is now made manifest to His saints, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. This is just as great a revelation of God as the incarnation …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 1. "We Will Come unto Him and Make Our Abode with Him" (John xiv. 23).
"We will come unto him and make our abode with him" (John xiv. 23). This idea of trying to get a holiness of your own, and then have Christ reward you for it, is not His teaching. Oh, no; Christ is the holiness; He will bring the holiness, and come and dwell in the heart forever. When one of our millionaires purchases a lot, with an old shanty on it, he does not fix up the old shanty, but he gets a second-hand man, if he will have it, to tear it down, and he puts a mansion in its place. It is not …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 3. "My Peace I Give unto You" (John xiv. 27).
"My peace I give unto you" (John xiv. 27). Here lies the secret of abiding peace--God's peace. We give ourselves to God and the Holy Spirit takes possession of our breast. It is indeed "Peace, Peace." But it is just then that the devil begins to turn us away, and he does it through our thoughts, diverting or distracting them as occasion requires. This is the time to prove the sincerity of our consecration and the singleness of our heart. If we truly desire His Presence more than all else, we will …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Faith in God and Christ
'Let not your heart be troubled ... believe in God, believe also in Me.'--JOHN xiv. 1. The twelve were sitting in the upper chamber, stupefied with the dreary, half-understood prospect of Christ's departure. He, forgetting His own burden, turns to comfort and encourage them. These sweet and great words most singularly blend gentleness and dignity. Who can reproduce the cadence of soothing tenderness, soft as a mother's hand, in that 'Let not your heart be troubled'? And who can fail to feel the tone …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Many Mansions'
'In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.'--JOHN xiv. 2. Sorrow needs simple words for its consolation; and simple words are the best clothing for the largest truths. These eleven poor men were crushed and desolate at the thought of Christ's going; they fancied that if He left them they lost Him. And so, in simple, childlike words, which the weakest could grasp, and in which the most troubled could find peace, He said to them, after having encouraged their …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Peace
'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'--JOHN xiv. 27. 'Peace be unto you!' was, and is, the common Eastern salutation, both in meeting and in parting. It carries us back to a state of society in which every stranger might be an enemy. It is a confession of the deep unrest of the human heart. Christ was about closing His discourse, and the common word of leave-taking came naturally to His …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love and Obedience
'If ye love Me, keep My commandments.'--JOHN xiv, 15. As we have seen in former sermons, the keyword of the preceding context is 'Believe!' and that word passes now into 'Love.' The order here is the order of experience. There is first the believing gaze upon the Christ as He is revealed--the image of the invisible God. That kindles love, and prompts to obedience. There is another very beautiful and subtle link of connection between these words and the preceding. Our Lord has just been saying, 'Whatsoever …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Works and Ours
'Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. 13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.'--JOHN xiv. 12-14. I have already pointed out in a previous sermon that the key-word of this context is 'Believe!' In three successive verses we find it, each time widening …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Comforter Given
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.'--JOHN xiv. 16,17. The 'and' at the beginning of these words shows us that they are continuous with and the consequence of what precedes. 'If ye love Me, ye will keep My commandments, and I will pray ... and He will …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Absent Present Christ
'I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.'--JOHN xiv. 18,19. The sweet and gracious comfortings with which Christ had been soothing the disciples' fears went very deep, but hitherto they had not gone deep enough. It was much that they should know the purpose of His going, whither He went, and that they had an interest in His departure. It was much that they should have before them the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Forerunner
'... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'--JOHN xiv. 2, 3. What divine simplicity and depth are in these words! They carry us up into the unseen world, and beyond time; and yet a little child can lay hold on them, and mourning hearts and dying men find peace and sweetness in them. A very familiar image underlies them. It was customary for travellers in those old days to send …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gifts of the Present Christ
'At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.'--JOHN xiv. 20, 21. We have heard our Lord in the previous verse unveiling His deepest and strongest encouragements to His downcast followers. These were: His presence with them, their true sight of Him, and their participation in His life. The …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Who Bring Christ
'Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me.'--JOHN xiv. 22-24. This Judas held but a low place amongst the Apostles. In all the lists he is one of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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