The Advocacy of Christ and the Obligations of Believers

1. My little children] The diminutive implies the fatherly care which the aged Apostle felt for his disciples. Advocate] The word thus translated is used by St. John alone of the NT. writers. Elsewhere (John 14:16; John 14:25; John 15:26; John 16:7) it is rendered 'Comforter.' Literally it means one who is called to the side of another for counsel and help. The rendering 'Advocate' suits the passages in the Gospel (see RM in loco). The Son and the Holy Spirit both act as Advocate with the Father: cp. Romans 8:26; Romans 8:34. The Redeemer's work calls for the mercy which 'rejoiceth against judgment,'

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