Holy Spirit as Counsellor

The Holy Spirit is Counsellor in addition to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is a Counsellor

1 Jn 2:1 One Greek word “Parakletos” underlies this phrase which is primarily a legal term. It can also bear the meaning “comforter”.

The Spirit is another Counsellor

Jn 14:16–17 The word “another” means “another of the same kind”. After the ascension, the Spirit is to assume the ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Counsellor is the gift of the exalted Christ

John 16:7 AV

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.

See also Jn 7:38–39; Ac 2:33

The Counsellor comforts and reassures believers

Jn 14:16–18; Ac 11:12 Peter is reassured about going to the house of Cornelius; Ro 8:16 Believers are reassured that they are God’s children.

The Counsellor strengthens and equips the church

Ephesians 3:16 AV

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

See also Ac 4:31 The Jerusalem church is strengthened in the face of opposition; Ac 9:31 the church in Judea, Galilee and Samaria; Ro 8:26

The Counsellor teaches and instructs believers

The Spirit reminds the disciples of Jesus Christ’s teaching

John 14:26 AV

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

See also Jn 16:14; 1 Jn 5:6–8

The Spirit teaches the church further truth

John 16:13 AV

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 shew you things to come.

See also 1 Co 2:9–10; 1 Jn 2:27

The Counsellor helps the church in its mission

The Spirit testifies to Jesus Christ and helps the church to do likewise

John 15:26–27 AV

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

See also Ac 1:8

The Spirit convicts the unbelieving world

Jn 16:8–11; 1 Co 14:24–25

Examples of the Spirit’s help in witness and mission

Ac 4:8 Peter before the Sanhedrin; 1 Co 2:3–4 Paul in Corinth; 1 Th 1:5 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

The Counsellor draws believers closer to Jesus Christ

Ephesians 3:16–17 AV

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

See also Jn 14:23; Ro 8:9–11