Abu Muhammad Ibn Qutaybah (1) said: These passages—despite their different wording—are very close in meaning. The variation arises only because several of the disciples conveyed what they heard from the Messiah (peace be upon him) in the Gospel.

As for the word “Paraclete,” in their language it is an expression of praise: it may correspond to Ahmad, or Muhammad (2), or Mahmūd, or Hāmid, or something of that sort. In the Ethiopic Gospel it appears as “binnāʿṭīs” (3).

In another passage it says: “If you love me, keep my commandments; and I will ask the Father to grant you another Paraclete who will remain with you forever. He will speak through the Spirit of truth, whom the world has been unable to receive because it has not known him. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you soon.” (4)

Elsewhere it states: “Whoever loves me keeps my word, and my Father will love him; We shall come to him and make Our dwelling with him. I have spoken this to you because I will no longer stay among you. The Paraclete, the Spirit of truth, whom my Father will send, will teach you everything and will remind you of all that I have said to you. I leave you my peace; let not your hearts be troubled or afraid. I am departing, yet I shall return to you. If you truly loved me you would rejoice that I am going to the Father. If my word abides in you, you will have whatever you desire.” (5)

And in yet another passage: “When the Paraclete comes, whom I shall send from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will bear witness to me. I have told you this so that when it happens you may believe and not …”