Matthew Poole and continuators on John 15:26

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father , even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father , he shall testifie of me .

Concerning the Holy Ghost as a Comforter, we have spoken [illegible: 1 letter]argely, Chap. 14.16, 26. as also his mission from the Father and the Son, and in what sense he is called the Spirit of truth: see the notes on those Verse.

What proceeding from the Father, is here meant, is questioned amongst Divines: some understand it onely of his coming out from the Father, and being poured out upon the Disciples in the days of Pentecost: Others understand it of the holy Spirits Eternal proceeding. Those that Interpret it of the first, urge the use of the Greek word, here used to signifie Gods manifestation of himself, by some external sign, (as they say the Septuagint useth the same word.) They also urge the same use of a parallel word, Chap. 8.42. and 16.28. But the generality of the best Interpreters think, it is best understood of the Eternal procession of the holy Spirit. Because Christ here distinguisheth the Spirits proceeding from the Father, from his sending. 2. Having himself promised to send the Spirit, he seemeth further to describe him, as proceeding from the Father. 3. The word here used, is not any where used in the New Testament to signifie a Temporal mission, some will say, but doth not the Spirit proceed from the Son? Ans. The Greek Church in latter ages hath denied this, and this is the principal text they rest on; but those Churches that are more Orthodox have constantly affirmed it. 1. Because he here saith he would send it. 2. Because he is often called the Spirit of Christ, Rom 8.9. Gal. 4.6.3. Because otherwise there were no personal relation between Christ and the Spirit. Our Saviour here having first said he would send him, here onely nameth his proceeding from the Father; that they might not suspect his testimony, or think that he spake arrogantly.

The Spirit he saith should testifie of him, both by those gifts with which he was to fill the Apostles, and to the hearts of Gods people.

Marginal references: Luk. 24 49.