Gr. elegchō, “to convict.” The word is so translated in ch. 8:9. In ch. 8:46 it is translated “convince” (cf. 1 Cor. 14:24; Titus 1:9; James 2:9), but “convict” would be preferable. In Luke 3:19; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2 Tim. 4:2 elegchō is translated “reprove,” and in 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13; Heb. 12:5; Rev. 3:19 “rebuke.”

 This Jesus had also done (ch. 7:7). The day of Pentecost, the day when the gift of the Spirit was bestowed, provided a striking exhibit of this aspect of the Spirit’s work. Those who heard Peter’s address were “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37). One of the first evidences of the operation of the Holy Spirit is the deep conviction that one is a sinner.

 Jesus also warned men of the judgment to come (Matt. 5:21, 22; 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36). None can escape the judgment; it is as sure as death (Heb. 9:27).

 Though fear of judgment is not to be the prime motive of doing right, it is, nevertheless, a powerful agency in awakening sin-darkened minds and is frequently, and rightly, appealed to (see Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 14:9-11). See on John 16:11.

Thus the Spirit convicts men of their sin, points them to the salvation and righteousness that is in Jesus, and warns them of the consequences of continuing in their sins and of neglecting the salvation freely proffered.

 Not only does the Spirit expose sin; He convicts of positive righteousness. He urges men to accept the righteousness of Christ, both the imputed (Rom. 10:3-10) and the imparted (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:13).