John 14:17

the Spirit of truth This expression confirms the rendering -Advocate." Truth is much more closely connected with the idea of advocating a cause than with that of comforting. Comp. John 15:26; John 16:13; 1 John 5:6. The Paraclete is the Spirit of Truth as being the Bearer of the Divine revelation, bringing truth home to the hearts of men. In 1 John 4:6 it is opposed to the -spirit of error." Comp. 1 Corinthians 2:12.

the world See notes on John 1:9-10.

it seeth him not Because the Spirit and -the things of the Spirit" must be -spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14). The world may have intelligence, scientific investigation, criticism, learning; but not by these means is the Spirit of Truth contemplated and recognised; rather by humility, self-investigation, faith, and love.

for he dwelleth Because He abideth: it is the same Greek word as in the previous clause. Comp. John 14:28.

and shall be in you A reading of higher authority gives us, - and is in you." All the verbs are in the present tense. The Spirit was in the Apostles already, though not in the fulness of Pentecost.

Note throughout these two verses (16, 17) the definite personality of the Spirit, distinct both from the Father Who gives Him and from the Son Who promises Him. Note also the three prepositions (in John 14:16): the Advocate is withus for fellowship (meta); He abides by our sideto defend us (para); He is inus as a source of power to each individually (en).