John 16:8

When the Holy Spirit is come in the days of Pentecost, he, by his inward operation in men's hearts, and by his gifts bestowed upon you that are his apostles, will reprove the world. By the world here, may be meant all men and women, as it is used in some texts; neither is the operation of the Spirit here mentioned to be restrained to carnal and wicked men. The word translated reprove:

1. Lets us know, that the Holy Ghost is here mentioned, not in the notion mentioned 1 Thessalonians 14:16, as a Comforter, but in the larger notion, (there mentioned), as an Advocate; which possibly had been a better translation of it, 1 Thessalonians 16:7, than Comforter, as we translate it; for it is not the proper work of the Spirit considered as a Comforter to reprove, but it is proper enough to the notion of an Advocate to do it.

2. The word here translated reprove doth often so signify, and is so translated, Luke 3:19 1 Thessalonians 3:20 Ephesians 5:11,13. It signifieth real rebukes, Hebrews 12:5 Revelation 3:19. But it also signifieth to convince, 1 Thessalonians 8:9,46 1 Corinthians 14:24 2 Timothy 4:2 Titus 1:9; and in several other texts. Yet it is one thing to convince the understanding and judgment; another thing to prevail upon the will, by reason of the total corruption of our souls; so that we will not embrace what we confess is truth, nor do what we know is best; but, through the stubbornness of our will, we resist the light and conviction of our understandings. The Holy Spirit is here promised, not only (as before) to lead men into truth, by a work of illumination, but to bow the hearts and wills of some in the world, to the embracing of it, and living up to it, while others yet remain without excuse. The things of which the Spirit is promised to convince the world, are sin, righteousness, and judgment, which are further opened in the following verses.