The Prophetic Function of the Paraclete in our Ecclesial Life

Abstract

This study attempts to explain, through the different Paraclete sayings (John 14: 17, 26; 15:26; 16: 13), how the Paraclete continues to reveal the message of salvation brought about by Jesus. The Paraclete’s task is seen to guide the community in (re)inter- preting and understanding Jesus’ revelation in new circumstances and through the passing of time. The Paraclete’s prophetic function is thus shown to be in teaching the disciples about the world that rejects the Spirit (14:17), confirming the rightness of their commit- ment while showing the world to be wrong about sin, justice and judgment (16:8-11). This is the function of Christian prophecy, and the prophetic function of the Paraclete who will convict the world of its sin and expose its guilt (16:8-11).