the Third Week of Advent
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Comforter
People's Dictionary of the Bible
or Comforter. The rendering of the Greek paracletos, which strictly means "one called to another;" hence a "helper." The Greek term is applied to Christ: "We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. Usually it designates the Holy Spirit. He is the "other Comforter," or "Helper," succeeding Christ, the great promised blessing of the Christian church. John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4. The English word Comforter does not adequately represent the Greek word paracletos, nor fully describe the office of the Holy Spirit. The disciples found the promise fulfilled to them. The Spirit aided them when called before councils; guided them into all truth respecting the plan of salvation; brought to their remembrance the words and deeds of Christ; and revealed to them things to come. His presence was accompanied by signal triumphs of grace, and made amends for the absence of Christ. He is therefore not only a Comforter, but is also a Teacher, Witness, Reprover, and Guide. John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8; John 16:13-14. He is "another Comforter," not in the sense of a different kind of a Comforter or Helper, but of an additional one. The church is still under the guidance of the Comforter. The Holy Spirit still convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Rice, Edwin Wilbur, DD. Entry for 'Comforter'. People's Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/rpd/c/comforter.html. 1893.
