John 16:7
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus is telling them it's better for them that He leaves. This isn't just about Him going away; it's about opening the door for the Holy Spirit to come, who will be a constant, all-present Helper in a way Jesus' physical presence never could be.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure, which he knows will cause them grief. He's explaining that his leaving is not an abandonment, but a necessary step for the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to come and empower them. This promise of the Spirit's presence and work is meant to comfort them and show them that his going away is ultimately for their greater advantage.
Jesus tells his closest followers that his leaving is actually good news for them. How can absence be a blessing?
Jesus explains a profound truth here: his physical departure is a necessary step for the Holy Spirit's coming. This wasn't just a matter of logistics; it was part of God's plan for salvation.
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the 'Helper,' but what does that really mean for us today? It's more than just comfort.
The Greek word Jesus uses for 'Helper' (Parakletos) carries a rich meaning, encompassing advocate, counselor, and comforter. The Spirit's role is multifaceted, and Jesus highlights its crucial importance, especially after His departure.
Understand the original words
paraklētos · Greek Noun
A title for the Holy Spirit (Paraclete), meaning one who is called alongside to help, counsel, comfort, advocate, or strengthen. It signifies the presence of God empowering believers after Jesus' ascension.
Jesus' departure wasn't a loss but a strategic move, opening the door for the Holy Spirit's universal, empowering presence in a way His physical limitations could not allow.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Ascension
Jesus is crucified, a pivotal event for atonement, and then ascends to the Father. This departure is seen as necessary for the Holy Spirit's coming.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days, teaching them and preparing them for His departure and the coming of the Spirit.
c. AD 33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
Ten days after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to preach the Gospel. This event marks the beginning of the Church's public ministry.
c. AD 30-70
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Pentecost, the apostles and early believers spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire, facing persecution and opposition.
This passage introduces the 'Helper' (or 'Advocate'/'Comforter') that Jesus promises to send, directly linking to the core of John 16:7's message about the Spirit's coming.
Acts 1:8This verse shows the disciples receiving power from the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension, illustrating the practical empowerment that follows the departure Jesus speaks of in John 16:7.
Romans 8:26This passage highlights the Spirit's role in interceding for believers, showing a profound way the 'Helper' functions in our lives, which is enabled by Jesus' departure.
John 14:26This verse further explains the Holy Spirit's role as a teacher, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' absence makes way for the Spirit's specific ministry of illuminating truth.
Acts 2:33This verse describes the outpouring of the Spirit after Jesus' exaltation to God's right hand, demonstrating the direct fulfillment of Jesus' promise that He would send the Spirit after His departure.
barnesJohn 16:7: "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."
It is expedient for you ... - The reason why it was expedient for them that he should go away, he states to be, that in this way only would the Comforter be granted to them. Still, it may be asked why the presence of the Holy Spirit was more valuable to them than that of the Saviour himself? To this it may…
vincentJohn 16:7: "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."
It is expedient (συμφέρει)From σόν together, and φέρω to bear or bring. The underlying idea of the word is concurrence of circumstances.Go away (ἀπέλθω)The different words for go should be noted in this verse, and John 16:10. Here, expressing simple departure from a point.Depart (πορευθῶ)Rev., go. Wit…
Jesus is telling them it's better for them that He leaves. This isn't just about Him going away; it's about opening the door for the Holy Spirit to come, who will be a constant, all-present Helper in a way Jesus' physical presence never could be.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure, which he knows will cause them grief. He's explaining that his leaving is not an abandonment, but a necessary step for the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to come and empower them. This promise of the Spirit's presence and work is meant to comfort them and show them that his going away is ultimately for their greater advantage.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure, which he knows will cause them grief. He's explaining that his leaving is not an abandonment, but a necessary step for the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to come and empower them. This promise of the Spirit's presence and work is meant to comfort them and show them that his going away is ultimately for their greater advantage.
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"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." — Jesus is telling them it's better for them that He leaves. This isn't just about Him going away; it's about opening the door for the Holy Spirit to come, who will be a constant, all-present Helper…
