“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
John 14:12
What does this verse actually mean?
The most probable meaning of the passage is: The word “greater” cannot refer to the miracles themselves, for the works of the apostles did not exceed those of Jesus in power. No higher exertion of power was put forth, or could be, than raising the dead. Therefore they must be greater in their effects. They were the means of the conversion of more sinners. The works of Jesus were confined to Judea. They were seen by few. The works of the apostles were witnessed by many nations, and the effect of their miracles and preaching was that thousands from among the Jews and Gentiles were converted to the Christian faith. The word “works” here probably denotes not merely miracles, but all things that the apostles did that made an impression on mankind, including their travels, their labours, their doctrine, etc.
Because I go to my Father – He would intercede for them, and especially by His going to the Father the Holy Spirit would be sent down to attend them in their ministry. By virtue of the Holy Spirit being given, therefore His power was released to the world. We are now in prayer contact with Mighty God through Christ’s finished work. You can’t get more powerful than that. Don’t you know the presence and power of God is within you?
The miracles which Jesus did could not have been done except by the power of God; and through that power the work is greater. An impostor might try to seduce people by false miracles; God gives the proof of His Power and the truth of His Word.
Some account for the greater works thus:
- The very shadow of Peter healed the diseased, Act_5:15.
- Diseases were cured, and demons cast out, by applying to the persons handkerchiefs and aprons that had before touched the body of Paul, Act_19:12.
- By the word of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, Act_5:5, Act_5:9, Act_5:10.
- Elymas the sorcerer was struck blind by the word of Paul, Act_13:11.
- Christ only preached in Judea, and in the language only of that country; but the apostles preached through the most of the then known world, and in all the languages of all countries.
You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than by what others say about him.
Anon
Pay off your credit cards every month.
Regina Brett