The Ministry of the Paraclete
The Ministry of the Paraclete John 14:16 , 26 Excerpt Before Jesus’ passion, he promised that the Father and he would send his disciples “another Counselor” ( John 14:16 , 26 ; 15:26 ; 16:7 ). The Counselor or Paraclete , from the Greek word parakletos (meaning one who gives support), is a helper, adviser, strengthener, encourager, ally, and advocate. Another points to the fact that Jesus was the first Paraclete and is promising a replacement who, after he is gone, will carry on the teaching and testimony that he started ( John 16:6-7 ). Paraclete ministry , by its very nature, is personal, relational ministry, implying the full personhood of the one who fulfills it. Though the Old Testament said much about the Spirit’s activity in Creation ( e.g. , Gen. 1:2 ; Ps. 33:6 ), revelation ( e.g. , Isa. 61:1-6 ; Mic. 3:8 ), enabling for service ( e.g. , Exod. 31:2-6 ; Judg. 6:34 ; 15:14-15 ; ...