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Selected Verse: John 14:12 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Joh 14:12	Strong Concordance	Verily [281], verily [281], I say [3004] unto you [5213], He that believeth [4100] on [1519] me [1691], the works [2041] that [3739] I [1473] do [4160] shall he do [4160] also [2548]; and [2532] greater works than [3187] these [5130] shall he do [4160]; because [3754] I [1473] go [4198] unto [4314] my [3450] Father [3962].
	King James	Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
He that believeth on me - This promise had doubtless special reference to the apostles themselves. They were full of grief at his departure, and Jesus, in order to console them, directed them to the great honor which was to be conferred on them, and to the assurance that God would not leave them, but would attend them in their ministry with the demonstrations of his mighty power. It cannot be understood of all his followers, for the circumstances of the promise do not require us to understand it thus, and it has not been a matter of fact that All Christians have possessed power to do greater works than the Lord Jesus. It is a general promise that greater works than he performed should be done by his followers, without specifying that all his followers would be instrumental in doing them. The works that I do - The miracles of healing the sick, raising the dead, etc. This was done by the apostles in many instances. See Act 5:15; Act 19:12; Act 13:11; Act 5:1-10. Greater works than these shall he do - Interpreters have been at a loss in what way to understand this. The most probable meaning of the passage is the following: 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. But, though not greater in themselves considered, yet they were greater in their effects. They made a deeper impression on mankind. They were attended with more extensive results. 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 "greater" here is used, therefore, not to denote the absolute exertion of power, but the effect which the miracles would have on mankind. 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 labors, their doctrine, etc. Because I go unto my Father - He would there intercede for them, and especially by his going to the Father the Holy Spirit would he sent down to attend them in their ministry, Joh 14:26, Joh 14:28; Joh 16:7-14. See Mat 28:18. By his going to the Father is particularly denoted his exaltation to heaven, and his being placed as head over all things to his church, Eph 1:20-23; Phi 2:9-11. By his being exalted there the Holy Spirit was given Joh 16:7, and by his power thus put forth the Gentiles were brought to hear and obey the gospel.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

He that believeth on me - This promise had doubtless special reference to the apostles themselves. They were full of grief at his departure, and Jesus, in order to console them, directed them to the great honor which was to be conferred on them, and to the assurance that God would not leave them, but would attend them in their ministry with the demonstrations of his mighty power. It cannot be understood of all his followers, for the circumstances of the promise do not require us to understand it thus, and it has not been a matter of fact that All Christians have possessed power to do greater works than the Lord Jesus. It is a general promise that greater works than he performed should be done by his followers, without specifying that all his followers would be instrumental in doing them.

The works that I do - The miracles of healing the sick, raising the dead, etc. This was done by the apostles in many instances. See Act 5:15; Act 19:12; Act 13:11; Act 5:1-10.

Greater works than these shall he do - Interpreters have been at a loss in what way to understand this. The most probable meaning of the passage is the following: 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. But, though not greater in themselves considered, yet they were greater in their effects. They made a deeper impression on mankind. They were attended with more extensive results. 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 "greater" here is used, therefore, not to denote the absolute exertion of power, but the effect which the miracles would have on mankind. 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 labors, their doctrine, etc.

Because I go unto my Father - He would there intercede for them, and especially by his going to the Father the Holy Spirit would he sent down to attend them in their ministry, Joh 14:26, Joh 14:28; Joh 16:7-14. See Mat 28:18. By his going to the Father is particularly denoted his exaltation to heaven, and his being placed as head over all things to his church, Eph 1:20-23; Phi 2:9-11. By his being exalted there the Holy Spirit was given Joh 16:7, and by his power thus put forth the Gentiles were brought to hear and obey the gospel.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Greater works Not more remarkable miracles, but referring to the wider work of the apostolic ministry under the dispensation of the Spirit. This work was of a higher nature than mere bodily cures. Godet truthfully says: "That which was done by St. Peter at Pentecost, by St. Paul all over the world, that which is effected by an ordinary preacher, a single believer, by bringing the Spirit into the heart, could not be done by Jesus during His sojourn in this world." Jesus' personal ministry in the flesh must be a local ministry. Only under the dispensation of the Spirit could it be universal.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Greater works than these shall he do - So one apostle wrought miracles merely by his shadow, Act 5:15; another by handkerchiefs carried from his body, Act 19:12; and all spake with various tongues. But the converting one sinner is a greater work than all these. Because I go to my Father - To send you the Holy Ghost.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
And greater works than these - The miracles which I have wrought could not have been wrought but by the omnipotence of God; but that omnipotence can work greater. And those who believe on my name shall, through my almighty power, be enabled to work greater miracles than those which l have ordinarily wrought. An impostor might seduce the people by false miracles; but he could not make his power and cunning pass to all those who were seduced by him: but I will give you this proof of the divinity of my mission and the truth of my doctrine. Perhaps the greater works refer to the immense multitudes that were brought to God by the ministry of the apostles. By the apostles was the doctrine of Christ spread far and wide; while Christ confined his ministry chiefly to the precincts of Judea. It is certainly the greatest miracle of Divine grace to convert the obstinate, wicked heart of man from sin to holiness. This was done in numberless cases by the disciples, who were endued with power from on high, while proclaiming remission of sins through faith in his blood. Some account for the greater works thus: 1. The very shadow of Peter healed the diseased, Act 5:15. 2. 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. 3. By the word of Peter, Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, Act 5:5, Act 5:9, Act 5:10. 4. Elymas the sorcerer was struck blind by the word of Paul, Act 13:11. 5. 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. But let it be remarked that all this was done by the power of Christ; and I think it still more natural to attribute the greater works to the greater number of conversions made under the apostles' ministry. The reason which our Lord gives for this is worthy of deep attention: - Because I go unto my Father - Where I shall be an Intercessor for you, that: -

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⁹ Wherefore [1352] God [2316] also [2532] hath highly exalted [5251] him [846], and [2532] given [5483] him [846] a name [3686] which [3588] is above [5228] every [3956] name [3686]:
¹⁰ That [2443] at [1722] the name [3686] of Jesus [2424] every [3956] knee [1119] should bow [2578], of things in heaven [2032], and [2532] things in earth [1919], and [2532] things under the earth [2709];
¹¹ And [2532] that every [3956] tongue [1100] should confess [1843] that [3754] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] is Lord [2962], to [1519] the glory [1391] of God [2316] the Father [3962].

²⁰ Which [3739] he wrought [1754] in [1722] Christ [5547], when he raised [1453] him [846] from [1537] the dead [3498], and [2532] set [2523] him at [1722] his own [846] right hand [1188] in [1722] the heavenly [2032] places,
²¹ Far above [5231] all [3956] principality [746], and [2532] power [1849], and [2532] might [1411], and [2532] dominion [2963], and [2532] every [3956] name [3686] that is named [3687], not [3756] only [3440] in [1722] this [5129] world [165], but [235] also [2532] in [1722] that which is to come [3195]:
²² And [2532] hath put [5293] all [3956] things under [5259] his [846] feet [4228], and [2532] gave [1325] him [846] to be the head [2776] over [5228] all [3956] things to the church [1577],
²³ Which [3748] is [2076] his [846] body [4983], the fulness [4138] of him that filleth [4137] all [3956] in [1722] all [3956].

¹⁸ And [2532] Jesus [2424] came [4334] and spake [2980] unto them [846], saying [3004], All [3956] power [1849] is given [1325] unto me [3427] in [1722] heaven [3772] and [2532] in [1909] earth [1093].

⁷ Nevertheless [235] I [1473] tell [3004] you [5213] the truth [225]; It is expedient [4851] for you [5213] that [2443] I [1473] go away [565]: for [1063] if [3362] I go [565] not [3362] away [565], the Comforter [3875] will [2064] not [3756] come [2064] unto [4314] you [5209]; but [1161] if [1437] I depart [4198], I will send [3992] him [846] unto [4314] you [5209].
⁸ And [2532] when he is come [2064], he [1565] will reprove [1651] the world [2889] of [4012] sin [266], and [2532] of [4012] righteousness [1343], and [2532] of [4012] judgment [2920]:
⁹ Of [4012] sin [266], [3303] because [3754] they believe [4100] not [3756] on [1519] me [1691];
¹⁰ Of [4012] [1161] righteousness [1343], because [3754] I go [5217] to [4314] my [3450] Father [3962], and [2532] ye see [2334] me [3165] no more [3765];
¹¹ Of [4012] [1161] judgment [2920], because [3754] the prince [758] of this [5127] world [2889] is judged [2919].
¹² I have [2192] yet [2089] many things [4183] to say [3004] unto you [5213], but [235] ye cannot [3756] [1410] bear them [941] now [737].
¹³ Howbeit [1161] when [3752] he [1565], the Spirit [4151] of truth [225], is come [2064], he will guide [3594] you [5209] into [1519] all [3956] truth [225]: for [1063] he shall [2980] not [3756] speak [2980] of [575] himself [1438]; but [235] whatsoever [3745] [302] he shall hear [191], that shall he speak [2980]: and [2532] he will shew [312] you [5213] things to come [2064].
¹⁴ He [1565] shall glorify [1392] me [1691]: for [3754] he shall receive [2983] of [1537] mine [1699], and [2532] shall shew [312] it unto you [5213].

²⁸ Ye have heard [191] how [3754] I [1473] said [2036] unto you [5213], I go away [5217], and [2532] come [2064] again unto [4314] you [5209]. If [1487] ye loved [25] me [3165], [302] ye would rejoice [5463], because [3754] I said [2036], I go [4198] unto [4314] the Father [3962]: for [3754] my [3450] Father [3962] is [2076] greater than [3187] I [3450].

²⁶ But [1161] the Comforter [3875], which is the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], whom [3739] the Father [3962] will send [3992] in [1722] my [3450] name [3686], he [1565] shall teach [1321] you [5209] all things [3956], and [2532] bring [5279] all things [3956] to [5279] your [5209] remembrance [5279], whatsoever [3739] I have said [2036] unto you [5213].

¹ But [1161] a certain [5100] man [435] named [3686] Ananias [367], with [4862] Sapphira [4551] his [846] wife [1135], sold [4453] a possession [2933],
² And [2532] kept back [3557] part of [575] the price [5092], his [846] wife [1135] also [2532] being privy [4894] to it, and [2532] brought [5342] a certain [5100] part [3313], and laid [5087] it at [3844] the apostles [652]' feet [4228].
³ But [1161] Peter [4074] said [2036], Ananias [367], why [1302] hath Satan [4567] filled [4137] thine [4675] heart [2588] [4571] to lie [5574] to the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], and [2532] to keep back [3557] part of [575] the price [5092] of the land [5564]?
⁴ Whiles it remained [3306], was it not [3780] thine own [4671] [3306]? and [2532] after it was sold [4097], was it not [5225] in [1722] thine own [4674] power [1849]? why [5101] [3754] hast thou conceived [5087] this [5124] thing [4229] in [1722] thine [4675] heart [2588]? thou hast [5574] not [3756] lied [5574] unto men [444], but [235] unto God [2316].
⁵ And [1161] Ananias [367] hearing [191] these [5128] words [3056] fell down [4098], and gave up the ghost [1634]: and [2532] great [3173] fear [5401] came [1096] on [1909] all [3956] them that heard [191] these things [5023].
⁶ And [1161] the young men [3501] arose [450], wound [4958] him [846] up [4958], and [2532] carried him out [1627], and buried [2290] him.
⁷ And [1161] it was [1096] about [5613] the space [1292] of three [5140] hours [5610] after [1292], when [2532] his [846] wife [1135], not [3361] knowing [1492] what was done [1096], came in [1525].
⁸ And [1161] Peter [4074] answered [611] unto her [846], Tell [2036] me [3427] whether [1487] ye sold [591] the land [5564] for so much [5118]? And [1161] she said [2036], Yea [3483], for so much [5118].
⁹ Then [1161] Peter [4074] said [2036] unto [4314] her [846], How [5101] is it that [3754] ye [5213] have agreed together [4856] to tempt [3985] the Spirit [4151] of the Lord [2962]? behold [2400], the feet [4228] of them which have buried [2290] thy [4675] husband [435] are at [1909] the door [2374], and [2532] shall carry [1627] thee [4571] out [1627].
¹⁰ Then [1161] fell she down [4098] straightway [3916] at [3844] his [846] feet [4228], and [2532] yielded up the ghost [1634]: and [1161] the young men [3495] came in [1525], and found [2147] her [846] dead [3498], and [2532], carrying her forth [1627], buried [2290] her by [4314] her [846] husband [435].

¹¹ And [2532] now [3568], behold [2400], the hand [5495] of the Lord [2962] is upon [1909] thee [4571], and [2532] thou shalt be [2071] blind [5185], not [3361] seeing [991] the sun [2246] for [891] a season [2540]. And [1161] immediately [3916] there fell [1968] on [1909] him [846] a mist [887] and [2532] a darkness [4655]; and [2532] he went about [4013] seeking [2212] some to lead him by the hand [5497].

¹² So [2532] [5620] that from [575] his [846] body [5559] were brought [2018] unto [1909] the sick [770] handkerchiefs [4676] or [2228] aprons [4612], and [2532] the diseases [3554] departed [525] from [575] them [846], and [5037] the evil [4190] spirits [4151] went [1831] out of [575] them [846].

¹⁵ Insomuch [5620] that they brought forth [1627] the sick [772] into [2596] the streets [4113], and [2532] laid [5087] them on [1909] beds [2825] and [2532] couches [2895], that [2443] at the least [2579] the shadow [4639] of Peter [4074] passing by [2064] might overshadow [1982] some [5100] of them [846].

¹⁰ Then [1161] fell she down [4098] straightway [3916] at [3844] his [846] feet [4228], and [2532] yielded up the ghost [1634]: and [1161] the young men [3495] came in [1525], and found [2147] her [846] dead [3498], and [2532], carrying her forth [1627], buried [2290] her by [4314] her [846] husband [435].

⁹ Then [1161] Peter [4074] said [2036] unto [4314] her [846], How [5101] is it that [3754] ye [5213] have agreed together [4856] to tempt [3985] the Spirit [4151] of the Lord [2962]? behold [2400], the feet [4228] of them which have buried [2290] thy [4675] husband [435] are at [1909] the door [2374], and [2532] shall carry [1627] thee [4571] out [1627].

⁵ And [1161] Ananias [367] hearing [191] these [5128] words [3056] fell down [4098], and gave up the ghost [1634]: and [2532] great [3173] fear [5401] came [1096] on [1909] all [3956] them that heard [191] these things [5023].