(3) _He will convict the world of judgment, because the "prince of this
world is judged_." This passage does not say, as many preachers quote
it, "of judgment _to come_," but "of judgment, because the prince of
this world is judged." This Scripture is often quoted to show that a
judgment was pronounced upon Satan, who is often called the prince of
this world. The word for prince in the original is used thirty-seven
times--thirty-two times it clearly means an earthly ruler, and five
times it may apply to Satan. There is no reason why the expression, "the
prince of this world," may not mean an earthly ruler. It evidently
refers to Pontius Pilate, in John 14:30, when Jesus says: "The prince of
this world cometh, and he hath nothing in me." Pilate justifies that
statement when he says: "I find no fault in this man." Nevertheless, as
prince of this world, he pronounced the death-sentence and delivered him
up to be crucified. This was the judgment of the prince of this world,
but the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost reversed this
judgment and pronounced a righteous judgment in its place, thus judging
Pilate "the prince of this world." The above three things were
accomplished on the day of Pentecost by the coming of the Spirit. The
Jews were convicted of sin in rejecting and crucifying Christ; they were
also convicted of the righteousness of Christ in claiming to be the Son
of God, and likewise convinced that God had raised up Jesus and made him
both Lord and Christ. In accomplishing this work the Spirit did it
through the instrumentality of gospel preaching, and all subsequent
convictions of sin, of righteousness and of judgment have been
accomplished through the same agency, and will be till the end of time.

This Paraclete continued with the apostles till the end of their
ministry, guiding, leading, and showing them "things to come," bringing
all things to their remembrance that Christ had spoken unto them. Under
this direct and supernatural control they preached the gospel to all the