In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the term Paraclete (Parakletos) in the Gospel of John does not refer to a prophet after Christ, but to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God whom Christ promised to send to His disciples after His ascension.

1. Meaning of “Paraclete”:
The Greek word Parakletos means “Comforter,” “Advocate,” or “Helper,” and in Scripture it clearly refers to the Holy Spirit, not to a human being.
John 14:26 states:

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

2. The Paraclete’s Nature According to Christ:
Christ described the Paraclete as a Spirit, not a man:

• “He will abide with you forever” (John 14:16) — no human can live forever.

• “The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him… but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
  Thus, He is invisible and indwelling — qualities that apply only to God’s Spirit, not to a prophet.

3. The Holy Spirit Dwells in Believers:
Scripture says believers are temples of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in them (1 Corinthians 3:16).
Hence, when Christ said “He will be in you,” He was referring to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, not to a person living among them.

4. The Timing of the Paraclete’s Coming:
Christ told His disciples:

“Do not leave Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)
This was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles (Acts 2).
Therefore, the Paraclete came in their own lifetime, not centuries later.

5. The Work of the Holy Spirit:
According to Christ:

• He teaches and reminds of Christ’s words (John 14:26).

• He testifies of Christ (John 15:26).

• He glorifies Christ (John 16:14).
  Thus, His mission is to reveal Christ, not to bring a new religion or message.

6. Refuting Misinterpretations:
Some claim the Paraclete refers to a later prophet, but this contradicts Scripture, which identifies Him as the Holy Spirit — the Spirit of God, not a man or angel.
Christ said:

“If I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)
And this promise was fulfilled immediately after His ascension, not hundreds of years later.

Faith Message:
Therefore, the Paraclete is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity, who descended upon the Church at Pentecost and abides with believers forever.
He is the Spirit of truth, the Comforter, who glorifies Christ and leads His people into all truth.

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