Before He died, Jesus gave His disciples the promise of the Holy Spirit, which would be fulfilled on Pentecost Sunday. He described the Spirit as “another Advocate.”  The word “advocate” is one that refers to a defense attorney who would stand by us when we are on trial, guiding us, defending us, assisting us, and supporting us. The Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, living in us, and is the presence of Christ in our world. The Greek word translated as “advocate” is “Paraclete,” one of the great titles given to the Spirit.
    
Preparing the Apostles for His coming death, He says, “I will not leave you orphans.” At His Ascension, they would feel like orphans, cast out into the world too soon, too early to take care of themselves and to fulfill the great mission with which they were being entrusted. They feared the coming grief, but also the sense of being too small and insignificant to do what needed to be done. Jesus is assuring them that they will not be alone and would be given what they would need.
    
He also referred to the Spirit of Truth. In another passage He speaks of this Spirit of Truth, who would lead His Church into all truth. They will need that Spirit of Truth as they face new and unexpected situations and questions that Jesus had not spoken about to them.