16:5-15. The work of the Spirit


The Spirit would come to the disciples after Jesus had left them. The necessity for Jesus to leave the constraints of human existence so that God's unconstrained Spirit might complete on a universal scale the work begun by Jesus in his earthly ministry amongst the Jews, is indicated (16 :7). This would be understood by the disciples only after the Resurrection. The work of the Spirit is to make the world aware of its sin, of the truth and rightness of Jesus Christ, and of the overthrow of the Devil (16:8-11). The Spirit would continue to teach the disciples, speaking on behalf of God the Father and revealing his truth to them. The work of the Son will be continued by the Spirit (16:12-15).