A Story on the Hymn, “The Comforter Has Come,” by William Petersen

Few verses in the New Testament have been translated in as many ways as John 14:16. In the King James Version, which the songwriter Frank Bottome used, Jesus tells his disciples, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” The Greek word translated “Comforter” is parakletos. Other versions have translated the word as “Counselor,” “Advocate,” “Encourager,” “Helper,” “Friend,” or “Someone to stand beside you.” Putting them all together, we get the idea of what the Holy Spirit can do for us.

This songwriter was not concerned about which one was the correct translation. He simply wanted to share the excitement that the Holy Spirit has come, dwells in us, and is ready to help us and guide us. Just as the Holy Spirit transformed those fearful disciples into bold witnesses for Jesus Christ, so can he transform us. Yes, it is exciting news that the Comforter has come.

Scriptures: John 7:39; John 14:16; Acts 2:1
Themes: Holy Spirit, Hope, Comforter

Lyrics of the Hymn:
O spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound;
The Comforter has come!

The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from heav’n—the Father’s promise giv’n;
O spread the tidings round, wherever man is found—
The Comforter has come! [Chorus]

The long, long night is past; the morning breaks at last,
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!
By FRANK BOTTOME (1823–1894)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 432-434). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.