John 16:7-8
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. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus is pointing out a profound paradox: His physical absence is actually the necessary condition for the Spirit's full presence and power in their lives. While they might see His departure as a loss, He declares it's actually for their ultimate advantage, making the Spirit's work possible in a way His physical presence never could.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, foreseeing their distress and explaining that his leaving is actually for their ultimate good. He emphasizes that his absence is a necessary step for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will empower them in ways his physical presence cannot. While the disciples are focused on their grief over his leaving, Jesus is shifting their perspective to the greater blessing that awaits them.
Jesus tells his closest followers that his departure is actually good for them. How can losing their Master be an advantage?
Jesus explains that his going away is a prerequisite for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper. The Spirit's work is crucial, and his coming is directly linked to Jesus' ascension.
The 'Helper' Jesus speaks of is also called an Advocate. What does this mean for how the Spirit works in our lives and in the world?
The Greek word used for 'Helper' (Parakletos) carries the weight of 'one called alongside' – an advocate, comforter, or counselor. Jesus' departure wasn't to abandon his followers but to send this divine Advocate to empower and guide them.
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.
elenchō · Greek Verb
To bring to light, expose, reprove, or convince someone of their guilt or error. It involves the illumination of truth that leads to an acknowledgment of wrongdoing or the realization of objective moral reality.
hamartia · Greek Noun
The state of missing the mark of God's holy standard; it refers both to the act of disobedience and the corrupt nature of humanity. Biblically, it is ultimately defined by a failure to believe in or submit to Jesus Christ.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
Jesus' departure was essential not to abandon His followers, but to enable the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to continue His mission more effectively than Jesus' physical presence alone could have.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, buried, and resurrected, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and atonement.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension to the Father
Jesus ascends to the right hand of God, leaving His disciples physically but preparing to send the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to preach the gospel and fulfilling Jesus' promise.
c. AD 30-AD 100
Early Church Evangelism and Persecution
The apostles and early believers spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, facing significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
This passage speaks of Jesus asking the Father to send the 'Helper' (the Holy Spirit) to be with the disciples forever, directly linking the departure of Jesus with the coming of the Spirit as a permanent presence.
Acts 1:8Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they will be his witnesses. This highlights the empowering role of the Spirit that Jesus implies will be granted upon his departure.
Romans 8:16-17This passage explains how the Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs. This shows the Spirit's role in confirming our identity and inheritance in Christ, a benefit enabled by Jesus' ascension and the Spirit's coming.
John 15:26Here, Jesus states that the Helper, the Spirit of truth, will testify about him. This directly connects the Spirit's mission to glorifying Jesus, a mission that requires Jesus' departure to pave the way for the Spirit's full ministry.
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 pointing out a profound paradox: His physical absence is actually the necessary condition for the Spirit's full presence and power in their lives. While they might see His departure as a loss, He declares it's actually for their ultimate advantage, making the Spirit's work possible in a way His physical presence never could.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, foreseeing their distress and explaining that his leaving is actually for their ultimate good. He emphasizes that his absence is a necessary step for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will empower them in ways his physical presence cannot. While the disciples are focused on their grief over his leaving, Jesus is shifting their perspective to the greater blessing that awaits them.
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his imminent departure, foreseeing their distress and explaining that his leaving is actually for their ultimate good. He emphasizes that his absence is a necessary step for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will empower them in ways his physical presence cannot. While the disciples are focused on their grief over his leaving, Jesus is shifting their perspective to the greater blessing that awaits them.
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The state of being in right standing with God, conforming to His moral character and requirements. In the New Testament, it is manifested perfectly in Christ and imputed to believers through faith.
krisis · Greek Noun
A judicial decision, verdict, or trial. It encompasses God's definitive assessment of human rebellion and the consequential resolution of justice, often highlighting the defeat of the powers of darkness.
"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. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righ…" — Jesus is pointing out a profound paradox: His physical absence is actually the necessary condition for the Spirit's full presence and power in their lives. While they might see His departure as a los…
