He here explains himself, and tells them, that by that other Comforter, mentioned 1 Thessalonians 14:16, he meant the Spirit; whom he here calls the Spirit of truth, either because he is a Spirit that declareth and revealeth the truth, as in 1 John 5:6, or because he teacheth us truth, 1 John 2:27, he guides us into all truth, 1 Thessalonians 16:13; or in opposition to the lying spirit of the devil, 1 Kings 22:22. Most probably the Holy Spirit is here called the Spirit of truth, because of the efficiency be hath as to it. It is he who hath revealed all the truth contained in the Scriptures to the world. Holy men wrote as they were inspired by him, Acts 1:16 2 Peter 1:21. It is he that more particularly and specially revealeth truth to the particular soul, 1 Corinthians 2:12; hence persons enlightened, are said to be made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Hebrews 6:4. He leadeth his people into truth, 1 Thessalonians 16:13; he sealeth and confirmeth truth to the soul: hence we read of the demonstration of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:4. This Spirit of truth, the world, that is, men of carnal hearts, that are of the world, and in whom worldly lusts predominate, 1 John 2:16 1 Thessalonians 17:9; this world, through natural impotency, 1 Corinthians 2:14, through wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:21, through lusts and passions, cannot receive, that is, be made partakers of; because it neither seeth him, who is not to be seen with mortal eyes, nor knoweth him affectionately and experimentally; he being not to be known by men whose hearts are carnal and full of lusts: but ye know him believingly, experimentally, affectionately, savingly; for he dwelleth in you by a mystical union, Romans 8:11 1 Corinthians 6:17; and he shall abide with you, by his dwelling in you, and influences upon you.
Related Commentaries of John 14:17
John 14:17
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.