The Holy Spirit performs three functions for the believer (John 16:13-15) parallel to the three functions He performs for the world (16:8-11). With respect to believers, the Holy Spirit will 1) guide (οδηγησει) us (v.13); 2) teach (αναγγελει) us (v.13); and 3) glorify (δοξασει) Jesus to us (v.14).
The clause about the glorifying work of the Holy Spirit is intensive in form (v.14). Literally the text reads, "that one Himself will glorify Me" (εκεινος εμε δοξασει). The glorification test is an important measuring tool for our ministries. Any ministry claiming to be led by the Holy Spirit will not be characterized by an emphasis on the Spirit but by an emphasis on Jesus. The Spirit guides and teaches in a manner that honors Jesus.
The teaching work of the Spirit is mentioned three times (vs.14-15). The verb (αναγγελει) also can mean to report, disclose, announce or proclaim (BAGD, p. 51). It is used of Paul's preaching ministry (Acts 20:20,27) in a way synonymous with teaching (διδαξαι). The primary preaching work of the Holy Spirit is not revelatory, as in disclosing new information, but proclamation, as in announcing truth to us.
Jesus explains the process of proclamation that the Spirit uses. The Spirit receives from Jesus what He teaches to Jesus' followers. The verb is future in verse 14 (λημψεται) and present in verse 15 (λαμβανει). It can mean either to take or to receive (BAGD, p. 464). The source of information is Jesus. Twice the phrase "of Mine" - literally "out of Me" (εκ του εμου) is used, and, once again, the "Me" (εμου) is in its emphatic form showing us that the Spirit's focus is to point us to Jesus.
Jesus explains that He is the source of the Spirit's information because the Father is the source of His information (v.15). Here we see a neuter plural subject, "all things" (παντα) with a singular verb (εστιν) to emphasize that the information being communicated is viewed as a whole mass not specific individual teachings (Dana & Mantey, Grammar, p. 165). Jesus is not separate from the Father for they hold all things - all knowledge - in common (John 17:10). The Spirit communicates knowledge in perfect unity with God the Father and God the Son.
The symmetry of the godhead is perfect. The Spirit communicates what He receives from Jesus who shared in the knowledge of the Father. In this way, the Spirit glorifies the Son who glorifies the Father for they are one (John 17:4-5).
Help me, Lord, always to study your Word on my knees in total dependence on your Holy Spirit to teach me to know you.
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