25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. -- John 14:25-26

New Era: The Paraclete

At this point in the arc of Scripture, Jesus life on earth is nearing it's conclusion. As a result, Jesus focuses his attention to this new "era" in which the Holy Spirit, the counselor will come and minister to the apostles. The Holy Spirit is given the name the Counselor (παράκλητος, paraklētos). This word Paraclete is a complicated one to translate as no english word adequately spans the depth and the breadth of its greek equivalent. Translators have also gone with advocate, helper, or assistant. Regardless, we know that the Holy Spirit, who is one of the three persons of the one true and living God, is sent from the Father to minister to believers!Verse 26 is also clear on the role and function of the Holy Spirit. It states that he will teach you all things you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. The role of the Holy Spirit is described as that as an instructor/teacher but not in the sense that He is a replacement for Jesus. Instead, the Holy Spirit is more like a prompter or one who brings something to mind. The technical term is ILLUMINATION. Illumination is the ministry of the Holy Spirit helping the believer to understand and apply the truth of the Bible.

1. Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 John 2:27).

2. Illumination is the Holy Spirit’s work in believers (1 Corinthians 2:10-15; Ephesians 1:18) and not in some mystical power of the words of scripture.

3. In illumination, the Holy Spirit will use our study and meditation, not only to help us understand scripture, but to apply it to our lives.

So when we read and study scripture, it is important to consciously remember the Holy Spirit’s “illuminating” ministry in our life and to ask God to teach us. Illumination does not guarantee that we will always interpret/understand scripture accurately. God uses our skill, knowledge and integrity as well. (Charles Ryrie)

So as we dig deeper each week into a particular passage, we are relying on the Holy Spirit to do the work of illumination, to help us see the truth of the Scriptures. Be encouraged, every time you open your bible, the Holy Spirit is willing to open your eyes to truth about the Word and the person and work of Jesus Christ.