Tag: comforter

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE

March 26, 2025

John chapter 14 verses 16 through 17:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Verse Context:

These words were spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, recorded only in John’s Gospel. The apostle John—writing decades later under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost—preserves this intimate teaching between the Lord and His disciples. Jesus has just told them that He is going away, and the disciples are troubled and confused. But instead of simply calming their fears, He offers them something far greater than a temporary solution: the promise of a divine Person who will come to take His place among them—the Holy Ghost.

The title “Comforter” in this verse is worth exploring. While often used today in a soft emotional sense, in its original context, it means advocate, helper, intercessor, and one who stands beside. Jesus calls Him “another Comforter”—not meaning different, but another of the same kind. This is a direct claim to the divinity and equality of the Holy Ghost with Jesus Himself. He is not a lesser presence—He is God abiding with them just as Christ had been.

The phrase “abide with you for ever” demolishes any idea that the Spirit’s work is temporary or partial. This is not a seasonal empowerment, nor is it limited to emotional highs or religious rituals. It is a permanent indwelling, a constant companion, a divine residence in the believer’s life.

Jesus then refers to Him as the Spirit of truth, a title that shows us the Spirit’s character and role: He does not lie, cannot be deceived, and will always align with God’s Word. This title also draws a sharp line between the Church and the world: “whom the world cannot receive”—because the world operates by sight and flesh, not by faith and Spirit. Only those born again can truly receive and recognize the Holy Ghost.

Christ then comforts the disciples with these words: “ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” The Holy Ghost had already been with them in Christ’s ministry—empowering, guiding, and filling Jesus without measure (see John chapter 3 verse 34). But soon, at Pentecost, He would be in them, not just present, but indwelling. That marks the shift from the old covenant to the new—the Spirit no longer just came upon people; He came to live inside them permanently.

John Calvin (1509–1564, Reformed) notes that Christ “bids the disciples fix their eyes, not upon His absence, but upon the invisible presence of the Spirit, which would be more profitable to them.” Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) explains that the Holy Ghost would be the same kind of Comforter as Christ: a teacher, guide, strengthener, and intercessor, except now not limited by space or bodily presence.

Broader Context:

John chapter 14 is part of what’s often called the Farewell Discourse—chapters 13 through 17—where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. He gives them doctrine, comfort, warning, and future promises. The central promise in chapter 14 is the coming of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus presents the Spirit not as an impersonal force, but as a divine Person who will take up residence in believers. This stands in contrast to many modern teachings that reduce the Spirit to an influence or emotional experience. In this chapter, He is the Comforter who teaches (verse 26), reminds (verse 26), and abides (verse 17). He is personal, knowable, and holy.

This promise is later fulfilled in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Ghost descends upon the believers in the upper room and fills them with power, boldness, and unity. But the theology of John chapter 14 provides the foundation: the Holy Ghost is not just God’s power—He is God’s presence.

Application:

Appreciating God’s Greatness:

God the Father sent God the Son, and God the Son sent God the Holy Ghost. Each Person of the Trinity works in perfect unity. The Holy Ghost is the eternal presence of God in us, never fading, never forsaking. His greatness is seen in His willingness to dwell in fragile, sinful human vessels and transform them into holy instruments of God’s glory. He is the Spirit of truth, meaning everything He does is righteous, and everything He leads us to is aligned with God’s Word.

For the Believer:

If you are in Christ, the Holy Ghost already lives in you. He is not far. He is not silent. He is speaking, guiding, correcting, strengthening—even in the quiet. He does not come and go like a guest. He abides. He is the Spirit of comfort in your grief, the Spirit of truth in your confusion, the Spirit of holiness in your temptation, and the Spirit of boldness in your witness.

Call to Action:
Acknowledge Him. Speak to Him. Thank Him. Yield to Him. We grieve Him when we live by the flesh, and we quench Him when we ignore His promptings. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, we experience peace, power, and purpose. Today, honor the Holy Ghost. Let Him fill your thoughts, guide your actions, and glorify Christ through you.

For the Unbeliever:

You may have heard about God the Father and God the Son, but until the Holy Ghost opens your heart, you cannot truly understand or receive them. Jesus said the world cannot receive the Spirit because it doesn’t know Him. But you can. Right now. If you will believe in Jesus Christ, confess your sin, and surrender your life to Him, the Spirit of truth will enter you—not temporarily, but forever. He will make you new, seal you as God’s child, and begin a lifelong work of transforming your heart.

Final Encouragement:

Jesus didn’t leave His disciples comfortless—and He hasn’t left you that way either. The Holy Ghost is the greatest gift Christ could send after His ascension. He is God, with us and within us. If you’re saved, you’re not alone. The Comforter is here. Honor Him today with your heart, your praise, and your obedience.

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved—so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth. Shalom Shalom.