Counsel for the Defence

This Greek name is closely linked to yesterday's names of Mediator and Intercessor. The primary meaning of Paraklētos is Advocate or Lawyer, our counsel for the defence. 1 John 2: 1 says that, "If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the righteous One." Jesus defends us, not by arguing that we're innocent, but by proving that He has already paid the price for our sin and guilt.

But Paraklētos has broader meanings too; it can mean an assistant or helper, or it can also mean someone who comforts and consoles, who gives us strength. So when it appears four more times in the New Testament, also written by John when he is reporting what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, translators over the years have drawn on these broader meanings of, Helper, Comforter and Counsellor.

In John 14: 16 and John 16: 17, the meaning is obviously that of a Helper to be with us always, to give us help, support and strength. Jesus rose to life on the day we now know as Easter Sunday, but He didn't stay on earth for long after that. It was important for Him to go away again so that an ever-present Helper, not limited by the restraints of a human body, could give us support and assistance.

But in John 14: 26 and John 15: 26, the meaning is obviously more that of a Counsellor or Teacher. He will teach us everything we need: He will testify of Jesus and remind us of what Jesus said.

So, whether we're being accused by the enemy or whether we're just needing wisdom for life's decisions, Easter Sunday reminds us that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both our Paraklētos.