# Counselor ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Counselor* ([[john-14#^john-14-16|Jn 14:16]]) – *Paraklētos* (Gk.): an \"advocate\" or \"helper\". The word is used five times in John\'s writings, always with reference to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. It is a legal term for an attorney or spokesman who defends the cause of the accused in a courtroom. Jesus uses it for a heavenly intercessor who is called to the side of God\'s children to offer strength and support. Jesus is a \"Paraclete\" because in heaven he pleads to the Father for believers still struggling on earth ([[1-john-02#^1-john-02-1|1 Jn 2:1]]). The Spirit, too, is a \"Paraclete\" because he is sent to strengthen the disciples in Jesus\' absence ([[john-14#^john-14-16|Jn 14:16]]), instruct them in the truth ([[john-14#^john-14-26|Jn 14:26]]; [[john-15#^john-15-26|15:26]]), and defend them agai), and defend them agai), and defend them agai), and defend them agai), and defend them agai), and defend them against the prosecutions of the devil ([[john-16#^john-16-7|Jn 16:7-11]]), who is the \"accuser\" of the family of God ([[revelation-12#^revelation-12-10|Rev 12:10]]). ### Sources [[john-commentary#^6qsbm6|Counselor — word study]]