VI

THE SPIRIT AND THE APOSTLES

In interpreting Scripture, attention should be paid not only to the speaker and his message, but also to the parties addressed.  There are passages that are universal in their application, others that are national, and still others that are addressed to individuals only.  Many promises are addressed to children of God only, and do not apply to those who are not citizens of Christ’s kingdom.  Again, there are commands that are addressed solely to men in a state of condemnation, and have no relevancy when applied to the children of God.  Christ uttered many things to his chosen ambassadors, chosen to establish his kingdom on earth, which were never intended to be applied to any others.  It is a mistake for the Christian of to-day to make universal, promises that were intended by our Lord for special individuals.  It confuses the whole scheme of redemption and makes a mystery out of Scriptures that are perfectly clear when proper limitations are made.  Things addressed to a chosen few have been wrongly applied to all and great confusion has resulted therefrom.  It is my purpose in this chapter to notice some of these.

The fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of John contain a record of a private talk by our Lord to the twelve, and to them alone.  Jesus was approaching the close of his earthly ministry.  He had chosen his apostles, and they had left all to follow him.  He had eaten, slept and companied with them.  He had taught them the great truths upon which his kingdom would be founded.  They had learned to depend upon him for advice, instruction, comfort and guidance.  They confessed this when they said, “Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

He was soon to leave them, and knew that they would feel that they were “as sheep without a shepherd.”  He wishes them to know that they should not be left orphaned.  He tells them, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever,” or to the remotest age.  That is, as long as you shall have need of him.  The Greek word translated “for ever” does not necessarily mean unlimited duration.  It is often applied to much shorter periods, even to a lifetime.

The word “Comforter” is a translation from the Greek word Paracletos, and it is a very inadequate translation.  There is no word within my knowledge that will fully express in English the Greek word.  It is much better to Anglicize the word into the English “Paraclete.”  This word is used of the Holy Spirit only four times in the New Testament, and is only used by the Saviour in his private address to the twelve, found in the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of John.  It is never applied to the work of the Holy Spirit in relation to mankind in general.  It is promised only to the chosen, and Jesus tells them that the world can not receive “him.”