Matthew Poole and continuators on John 16:8

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment .

When the holy Spirit is come in the days of Pentecost, he by his inward operation in mens hearts, and by his gifts bestowed upon you that are his Apostles, will reprove the World. By the World here, may be meant all men and women, as it is used in some texts; neither is the operation of the Spirit here mentioned, to be restrained to carnal and wicked men. The Word translated Reprove, 1. Lets us know; that the holy Ghost is here mentioned, not in the Notion mentioned Chap. 14.16. as a Comforter, but in the larger Notion (there mentioned) as an Advocate, (which possibly had been a better translation of it, ver. 7. than Comforter as we translate it: for it is not the proper work of the Spirit considered as a Comforter, to reprove; but it is proper enough to the notion of an Advocate to do it) The word here translated Reprove, doth often so signifie, and is so translated Luke 3.19. Chap. 3 20. Eph. 5.11, 13 It signifieth real rebukes, Heb. 12.5. Rev. 3.19. But it also signifieth to Convince, Iohn 8.9.46. 1 Cor. 14.24. 2 Tim. 4.2. Titus 1.9. and in several other texts; yet it is one thing to convince the understanding, and judgment: another thing to prevail upon the will, by reason of the total corruption of our Souls; so that we will not imbrace what we confess is truth, nor do what we know is best, but through the stubbornness of our Will, we resist the light and conviction of our understandings The holy Spirit is here promised, not onely (as before) to lead men into truth, by a work of illumina[illegible: 1 letter]ion, but to bow the hearts and wills of some in the World, to the imbracing of it, and living up to it, whiles others yet remain without excuse.

The things of which the Spirit is promised to convince the World, are Sin, Righteousness, and Iudgment, which are further opened in the following Verses.

Marginal references: Or, convince.