John 7:39

“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Here, Jesus is speaking during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival. Let’s break down the verse and explore its context and meaning.

The Promise of the Spirit:“But this spake he of the Spirit…” Jesus is referring to something specific in His statement. He is pointing to the future arrival of the Holy Spirit and the role it would play in the lives of believers.

Receiving the Spirit:“…which they that believe on him should receive…” Jesus indicates that those who believe in Him will receive the Holy Spirit. This promise of the Spirit’s arrival and indwelling was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in a powerful way.

Timing of the Spirit’s Coming:“…for the Holy Ghost was not yet given…” At the time Jesus spoke these words, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given in the same way as He would be after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The Holy Spirit’s coming was dependent upon Jesus’ glorification, which refers to His sacrificial death, triumphant resurrection, and exaltation to the right hand of the Father.

Jesus’ Glorification:“…because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” Jesus points to the future event of His glorification as the reason the Holy Spirit had not yet been given. This implies that the Holy Spirit’s coming and work were intricately linked to Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross and subsequent exaltation.

The significance of this verse lies in the anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s arrival and the role He would play in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, teaches, comforts, and convicts believers. He brings about spiritual transformation, helps believers understand God’s truth, and empowers them to live out their faith.

As Christians, we have the privilege of receiving the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we experience the presence and power of God in our lives, enabling us to live victoriously and bear witness to the transforming work of Christ.