John 16:7-15
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
King James Version
Jesus explaining the necessity of his departure for the Spirit's coming, the foundational logic of the Day of Pentecost.
Fulfillment References
Acts 2:1-4 Acts 2:33 John 16:13
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'It is expedient... that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come.' Christ in the flesh could be in one place; by the Spirit He fills all His people. The same Lord who departed bodily returns universally in the Spirit (cf. 14:18). 'He shall not speak of himself... he shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine' — the Spirit is Christ's own, the one God ministering Himself to the church.
JewishNot part of Jewish tradition; the conviction of the world and guidance 'into all truth' echo the prophetic Spirit and the hope of divine instruction.
CatholicThe Spirit convicts the world and leads the Church into all truth — a basis for the Spirit-guided development of doctrine (cf. the Catechism).
ProtestantThe Spirit convicts of sin and guides believers into truth, glorifying Christ; Christ's departure is necessary for the Spirit's universal coming.
AcademicThe fullest Paraclete saying; the forensic language (convict/reprove) and the Spirit's derivative speech ('not of himself') are much discussed in Johannine pneumatology.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.