“We have an advocate before the Father”
1 John 2:1
Legal referenceSettledJohn
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (1 John 2:1 BSB)
* Greek: parakletos, a legal advocate called to one's side in court; the same word Jesus uses for the Spirit.
What it sounds like today
'Advocate' as a vague supporter.
The cultural key
Parakletos: literally 'one called alongside,' in usage the friend-at-court, the counsel who stands beside the accused and speaks for him. The scene is a courtroom in heaven where the believer's case is not argued by the defendant. John's Gospel uses the same title for the Spirit, 'another Parakletos' (John 14:16), the wording that implies Jesus was the first: one counsel with the Father above, one alongside the believer below.
Recovered meaning
Sin does not leave the believer lawyerless: the defense is conducted by 'Jesus Christ the righteous,' whose qualification to argue the case is stated in the next verse, he is himself the atoning sacrifice for it. The verdict is safe because of who stands up when the charge is read.
Parallels: John 14:16; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25