Paraclete

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term bohyesa translates the Greek parakletos. Parakletos originally means "one called to one's side" and carries the senses of advocate, helper, and comforter. The Korean word bohyesa is understood to have been adopted from the rendering used in Chinese Bible translations. Its Chinese characters mean "a teacher (師) who protects (保) and bestows grace (惠)." Depending on the Bible translation, the word is also rendered "Advocate," "Helper," or "Protector."

Biblical and Historical Background

The term Paraclete occurs chiefly in the Farewell Discourse of the Gospel of John (John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7). Jesus said that he would ask the Father to send "another Comforter." This Paraclete abides with the disciples forever (John 14:16), teaches them and brings Jesus' words to their remembrance (John 14:26), and testifies of Jesus (John 15:26). In 1 John 2:1 the same word refers to Jesus Christ; the New Korean Revised Version renders it in that verse as "advocate" (daeeonja) (→ 1 John 2:1–2). For this reason, the word "another" is commonly interpreted to mean that Jesus himself is the first Paraclete.

From the early church onward, the Paraclete passages served as evidence that the Holy Spirit is not merely a force but a person. This understanding influenced the formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity. In the second century, however, Montanism claimed that the Paraclete spoke through its prophecies, a claim the church of the time rejected.

Usage in the Korean Church

In the Korean church, bohyesa (Paraclete) is a familiar title for the Holy Spirit. In the representative prayer offered during worship, the Spirit is often addressed as "Holy Spirit, our Paraclete." These passages are also frequently cited in Pentecost sermons and in sermons on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Emphases differ among denominations.

• Presbyterian and other Reformed traditions stress the Paraclete's work of illuminating the Word, testifying of Christ, and granting assurance of salvation.
• Methodist and Holiness churches tend to connect the Spirit's work with making believers holy, that is, with sanctification.
• Full Gospel and other Pentecostal churches emphasize the Paraclete as one who is present even now, helping believers through power and spiritual gifts.

Some groups teach that the Paraclete has come to earth as a particular individual. The World Mission Society Church of God believes its founder, Ahn Sahng-hong, to be the Holy Spirit the Paraclete. Shincheonji teaches that its leader, Lee Man-hee, is connected with the Paraclete. Both groups claim that this is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. By contrast, the general assemblies of Korea's major denominations have cited these teachings as one of the grounds for their judgments of heresy against these groups.