ACC ~ John 14 v12

WE CAN DO SIMILAR WORKS

AMBROSE: Skillfully inserting here the word also, he has allowed us similarity and yet has not ascribed natural unity. The work of the Father and the work of the Son, therefore, are one. ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 3.11.91. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 10:255; CSEL 78:141.

WORKING IN CHRIST

AUGUSTINE: And so he promised that he himself would also do those greater works. Do not let the servant exalt himself above his Lord or the disciple above his Master. [1] He says that they will do greater works than he does himself, but it is all by his doing such works in or by them, and not as if they did them of themselves. And so we have the song that is addressed to him, “I will love you, O Lord, my strength.” [2] But what, then, are those greater works? Was it that their very shadow, as they themselves passed by, that healed the sick? [3] For it is a mightier thing for a shadow, than for the hem of a garment, to possess the power of healing. [4] The one work was done by Christ himself, the other by them. And yet it was he that did both. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 71.3. [5]

[1] See Jn 13:16.

[2] Ps 18:1 (17:1 LXX, 17:2 Vg).

[3] See Acts 5:15.

[4] See Mt 14:36.

[5] NPNF 1 7:329*; CCL 36:506.

OUR BELIEVING IS THE WORK OF CHRIST

AUGUSTINE: But there is still something to excite thought in his doing such greater works by the apostles. For he did not say, as if merely with reference to them, “the works that I do shall you do also. And greater works than these shall you do,” but wishing to be understood as speaking of all that belonged to his family, he said, “He who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also. And greater works than these shall he do.” If, then, he who believes shall do such works, he who shall not do them is certainly no believer, just as “He who loves me, keeps my commandments” [1] implies, of course, that whoever does not keep them does not love. … In a similar way, also, it is said here, “He who believes in me shall do such works.” The one who does not do good works, therefore, is no believer. What have we here, then, brothers? Is it that one is not to be counted among believers in Christ who will not do greater works than Christ? It would be hard, unreasonable, intolerable to suppose so, that is, unless it is rightly understood. Let us listen, then, to the apostle when he says, “To him who believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” [2] This is the work in which we may be doing the works of Christ, for even our very believing in Christ is the work of Christ. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 72.2. [3]

[1] Jn 14:21.

[2] Rom 4:5.

[3] NPNF 1 7:330*; CCL 36:508.

EXCEEDING THE POWER OF THEIR TEACHER

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: This refers to the other miracles that the apostles did, such as healing a man through their shadow falling on him. But this incident did not reveal the fullness of this saying, but rather it was fulfilled in the fact that, when he used the power of the Godhead for an act of kindness, the disciples on the one hand worked through the power given to them for the service of those who believe and the punishment of the extremely wicked, and on the other hand they exceeded the power of their teacher, even though he was mightier in his ability to punish the godless, since he chose to restrain and control his power to punish in the meantime until the right moment of judgment. FRAGMENTS ON JOHN 259. [1]

[1] JKGK 133.

JESUS’ REUNION WITH THE FATHER

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: We said above that the words “I am going to the Father” refer to [his union with the Father after his passion]. After … this union, he will have the power to give everything to those who ask him, because by asking they ask for the greatness dwelling in him. [1] He can give because of his [union with the Father], and the Father then is completely recognized in the Son to be excellent and admirable. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.14.13-14. [2]

[1] Here again we see Theodore’s emphasis on the distinction between Christ’s two natures.

[2] CSCO 4 3:270-71.