Did Jesus Foretell a Human Successor Rather Than the Holy Spirit?

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Azahari Hassim

Certain scholars propose that Jesus may have foretold his successor, the Paraclete, as a human prophet rather than the Holy Spirit.

This interpretation arises from a detailed analysis of biblical passages, particularly John 16, verse 13, where Jesus states:

“For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears.”

Scholars argue that this description more closely aligns with the characteristics of a human prophet who receives divine messages and conveys them to others.

Ambiguity in the Pronoun “He”

The use of the pronoun “he” in John 16, verse 13 is seen by some as ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. Rather than exclusively referring to a non-human entity like the Holy Spirit, this phrasing could also describe a human figure. According to this view, Jesus may have alluded to a forthcoming prophetic voice of human origin, who would take on the role of guiding humanity after his departure.

The Prophetic Connection to Deuteronomy 18, verse 18

Supporters of this interpretation often point to Deuteronomy 18, verse 18, where God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses from among their brothers:

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.”

This passage is interpreted by some as a foundational prophecy that envisions a sequence of human prophets chosen by God to lead His people. These scholars suggest that Jesus may have been positioning himself as part of this prophetic lineage, with a successor yet to come who would also serve as a human intermediary between God and humanity.

Contextualizing the Prophetic Role

Proponents of this perspective argue that their interpretation aligns more closely with the broader context of biblical prophecy and teachings about prophetic figures. They see parallels between Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John and the traditional role of prophets, who act as divine messengers. A human prophet, they claim, fits the description in John 16, verse 13 better than the abstract concept of the Holy Spirit.

In this view, Jesus’ reference to the Paraclete as one who “will speak whatever he hears” underscores the idea of a human being tasked with relaying God’s message, much like the prophets of old.

Conclusion

This interpretation remains a point of theological debate. While mainstream Christian tradition identifies the Paraclete with the Holy Spirit, the idea that Jesus could have been referring to a human prophet invites further reflection on the nature of prophecy and succession in biblical theology. For those who adhere to this interpretation, the notion of a human Paraclete offers a fresh perspective on the continuation of divine guidance after Jesus’ earthly ministry.

The Servant in the messianic prophecy of Isaiah in Chapter 42 and the Paraclete or the Spirit of truth in the prophetic words of Jesus in the Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 13 are the reference to the identification of the Prophet like Moses predicted by Moses in Deuteronomy in Chapter 18 verse 18.

The scholars of the Dead Sea Srolls style him as a prophetic Messiah or Messianic prophet.

This new Moses, prophesied by Moses, elaborated by Isaiah, proclaimed by Jesus and awaited by the Samaritans is none other than the Prophet of Islam.

Allah in the Quran testifies to the fact that Muhammad is that prophet. Allah says in Sura 7 verse 157:

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.

Montanism and the human Paraclete

How did the Montanists believe in the human Paraclete and regard their founder as such?

The Montanists were a Christian sect that emerged in the late 2nd century, founded by Montanus, who claimed to be a prophet and the mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit.

Montanism emerged as a significant and controversial movement within early Christianity, and it was recognized by many mainstream Christian authorities of the time as a heretical group.

The movement was characterized by the belief that Montanus himself was the embodiment of the Paraclete, or the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised in the Gospel of John. This belief in Montanus as a prophetic figure who would deliver new revelations and guidance was central to Montanism and contributed to its contentious relationship with established Christian orthodoxy.

Montanus, along with his followers, including two prophetesses named Prisca (or Priscilla) and Maximilla, claimed to receive direct revelations from the Holy Spirit.

This belief in Montanus as the human Paraclete was central to their teachings. They saw him as the final and ultimate revelation of the Holy Spirit, which they referred to as the “New Prophecy.” This new revelation was considered a continuation and fulfillment of the teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

This is a complex theological topic that has been debated by scholars. Here’s an overview of the different perspectives:

The traditional Christian interpretation:

Most Christian theologians and denominations interpret John 16:13 as referring to the Holy Spirit. In this view, Jesus is describing the role of the Holy Spirit who will come after his departure. The Spirit speaks what he “hears” from the Father and Son, not on his own authority, emphasizing the unity of purpose within the Trinity.

The argument for a human paraclete:

Some scholars have proposed that this verse could be referring to a human prophet or messenger rather than the divine Holy Spirit. Their arguments include:

1. The language of “not speaking on his own” and “speaking only what he hears” seems more fitting for a human prophet acting as God’s mouthpiece.
2. In various religious traditions, particularly within Islam, this verse has been interpreted as a prophecy regarding a forthcoming human messenger. Some interpretations indicate that this messenger is, in fact, Muhammad.
3. The Greek word “parakletos” (translated as Helper, Advocate, or Comforter) could potentially refer to a human figure.

Islamic Correlation

An interesting parallel can be drawn from Quranic references. Surah 61, verse 6 states:

“And when Jesus son of Mary said, ‘Children of Israel, I am indeed the Messenger of God to you, confirming the Torah that is before me, and giving good tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.’ Then, when he brought them the clear signs, they said, ‘This is a manifest sorcery.’”

This verse suggests the idea of a human messenger after Jesus, reinforcing the argument for alternative interpretations of the Paraclete concept.

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