John 14:26 (Amplified Bible, AMP) defines paraclete as a comforter on its list of acceptable translations. “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
When we speak of any member of the Trinity, other than the positions of authority and responsibility, we see that characteristics that apply to one member apply to all members. The fact that God is the source of comfort would apply to Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
This truth of position is also expressed of God in Lamentations 3:22, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” What is said of God also applies to the Spirit of God and to Jesus.
We see this in expressed John 14:27, where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Peace and comfort are often used as synonyms.
Finally, in John 16:7 (KJV), we see the words speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit, “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.”
Without trouble and suffering, there is no opportunity for comfort. When speaking of comfort from the pressures of this world, John Walvoord made this remark, “Troubles are experienced by all Christians. And the Apostle Paul probably endured more pressures than nearly all his readers. Troubles, Paul said, help Christians shift their perspective from the external and temporal to the internal and eternal.”[2] - Walvoord
Trouble and suffering drive us to God and the soothing comfort of the Spirit.
Warren Wiersbe makes this remarkable observation about suffering:
“…here are ten basic words for suffering in the Greek language, and Paul used five of them in this letter. The most frequently used word is thlipsis, which means "narrow, confined, under pressure," and in this letter is translated affliction (2 Corinthians 2:4; 4:17), tribulation (2 Corinthians 1:4), and trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4,8). Paul felt hemmed in by difficult circumstances, and the only way he could look was up.[3] – Wiersbe
THE RESPONSE TO THE SPIRIT’S COMFORT: PRAISE FOR GOD (2 CORINTHIANS 1:3A)
The appropriate response to the Spirit’s comfort is praise and worship to God for what He has accomplished in us. Instead, the Christians of the church at Corinth were suffering greatly from their disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10-11). The lack of a unified spirit was the cause by morality issues (1 Corinthians 5:11), unresolved disputes resulting in court cases (1 Corinthians 6:1-6), problems in marriages (1 Corinthians 7), meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8), and spiritual gift conflicts (1 Corinthians 12) all resulting in backbiting and infighting. The church had forgotten its purpose. They had placed their own needs in place of the needs of others. They had become self-directed instead of being Spirit-directed.
Instead of praising God for their salvation and seeking the Holy Spirit in all the situations of life, they sought only to please themselves. Therefore, in this third verse of chapter one, Paul encourages them to fall on their knees before God and give Him the glory He deserves. “Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In this one statement, Paul gives them the pattern for forgiveness and repentance, the act of recognizing the worthiness of God and His provision for sin while confessing our weaknesses reflected in our evil nature. Comfort cannot take place without repentance. It is the power of the Holy Spirit through the work and position of Jesus that we can find forgiveness (2 Peter 3:9).
THE ROOT OF THE SPIRIT’S COMFORT: HIS COMPASSION TO US (2 CORINTHIANS 1:3B)
The root of the Spirit’s comfort lies in His compassion. The expression of that compassion is grace and mercy. In God’s great mercy, He sent His son, Jesus, to die for Sin. So secure our salvation, to teach us all that is in God’s word, and to provide the comfort we need to service the trials of life, Jesu made the payment and became the propitiation for sin (1 John 2:1-3). The indication that we have received the free gift of salvation is obedience to Him (Galatians 5:16).
The expression of the compassion of God is found in the Holy Spirit. His presence in the believer is a continual reminder of the love and sacrifice that God made for us. The Spirit’s convicting power continues to persuade us to be obedient. It is through obedience, bathed in remorse and repentance, that we can maintain that close relationship with God. The power of the Spirit then grants us continual comfort.
[1] C. S. Lewis, C. S. Lewis Quotes, pinterest.com/pin/476889048033115958/.
[2] John Walvoord, New Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. All rights reserved.
[3] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary. Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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