Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 14:12

κἀκεῖνος ποιήσει. Comp. John 6:57 and John 14:21; John 14:26 : see on John 1:8; John 1:18. ‘Like Me, he shall do the works of the Father, He dwelling in him through the Son. Comp. καθὼς ἐκεῖνός ἐστι, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐσμεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ (1 John 4:17).

καὶ μείζονα τούτων. No reference to healing by means of S. Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15) or of handkerchiefs that had touched S. Paul (Acts 19:12). Even from a human point of view no miracle wrought by an Apostle is greater than the raising of Lazarus. But from a spiritual point of view no such comparisons are admissible; to Omnipotence all works are alike. These ‘greater works’ refer rather to the results of Pentecost; the victory over Judaism and Paganism, two powers which for the moment were victorious over Christ (Luke 22:53). Christ’s work was confined to Palestine and had but small success; the Apostles went everywhere, and converted thousands. The reason introduced by ὅτι is twofold: (1) He will have left the earth and be unable to continue these works; therefore believers must continue them for Him; (2) He will be in heaven ready to help both directly and by intercession; therefore believers will be able to continue these works and surpass them. But note that He does not say that they shall surpass His words. He alone has words of eternal life; never man spake as He did (John 6:68; John 7:46).

It is doubtful whether there should be a comma or a full stop at the end of this verse. Our punctuation seems the better; but to make ὅτι run on into the next verse makes little difference to the sense.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 14:12

Old Testament

New Testament