John 14:12

Verily, verily See notes on John 1:51.

the works that I do shall he do also i.e. like Me, he shall do the works of the Father, the Father dwelling in Him through the Son (John 14:23).

and greater works than these There is 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.

because I go unto my Father For -My" read -the" with all the best MSS. The reason 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.

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