3130 Holy Spirit, as Counsellor

The Holy Spirit is the one who comforts, advises and strengthens Christians, drawing them closer to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is Counsellor in addition to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is a Counsellor 1Jn 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 Jn 16:7 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

Eph 3:16 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 Jn 14:26 See also Jn 16:14; 1Jn 5:6-8

The Spirit teaches the church further truth Jn 16:13 See also 1Co 2:9-10; 1Jn 2:27

The Counsellor helps the church in its mission

The Spirit testifies to Jesus Christ and helps the church to do likewise Jn 15:26-27 See also Ac 1:8

The Spirit convicts the unbelieving world Jn 16:8-11; 1Co 14:24-25

Examples of the Spirit’s help in witness and mission Ac 4:8 Peter before the Sanhedrin; 1Co 2:3-4 Paul in Corinth; 1Th 1:5 Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

The Counsellor draws believers closer to Jesus Christ Eph 3:16-17 See also Jn 14:23; Ro 8:9-11

See also