In John 14:15-16, Jesus promises his disciples that in the waking of his leaving God will send “another Advocate” (NRSV translation of the Greek, parakletos), whom Jesus calls “the spirit of truth” and “the Holy Spirit.” Jesus describes the work of this spirit in 14:26 and further in 15:26-27 and 16:5-14. In John 20:19-23, Jesus fulfills his promise to the disciples when he “breathed” on them and invited them to receive the spirit.
- How circumstances prompt Jesus to explain the work of the Spirit in chapters 14-15? What is significant about the particular time and place where the disciples receive the spirit? How does the work of the Spirit, as Jesus describes it earlier, relate to the mission Jesus gives them at the same time? Consider here the range of possible meanings for the Greek word parakletos. See “Paraclete” entry in HCBD and commentary on p. 725 in NIB One Volume Commentary.
- How it the work for which the Spirit equips the disciples connected with Jesus’ redemptive work as God’s Logos as described in the prologue of the gospel (1:1-18)? Are there reasons to suspect that the disciples’ faith and their understanding of Jesus as God’s Logos will grow from this point forward? Consider their level of faith and understanding when they receive the Spirit. What does 1 John say about what constitutes full or complete faith and understanding?
- Consider why persons for whom John’s Gospel was written might have identified with the disciples as they appear and act at the end of chapter 20. Note the two possible understandings of “that you may believe” in 20:31 (see footnote n in NISB ). Is the stated purpose of John’s Gospel to bring persons to faith, as the NRSV translation reads, or to assist persons in continuing to believe, where continuation in faith leads to deeper understanding? The gospel may have a dual purpose, but does structure of the gospel suggest one purpose is primary? Recall where Peter speaking on behalf of the twelve tells Jesus, “We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (6:69). What prompts Peter to say this and what does Jesus’ response to his statement imply? Note also Thomas’ lack of faith in the preceding episode. Consider what Jesus’ words in 16:12-15 imply about the connection between faith and understanding.
- What parallels, if any, do you see between Jesus’ disciples and the original audience of John’s Gospel, on the one hand, and Christian communities today, on the other?
