The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 235

III. A PROVED SUPERIORITY. When Jesus uttered this M11ure.nce, It waa received by those who heRrd it in faith, bece.use they credited the Divine Speaker, But we havo the c,idence of the facts the.t followed the proclamation of the gospel, e.nd of the facts of Christian history. By "greater works" we do not understand works more striking and marvellous ia themselves, but more glorious in their effects upon human ~ocioty oud upon the progress of God's spiritu&l kingdom. The contrast between the sign• and wonders recorded in the four Gospels and those recorded in the Acts o( the Apostles is mainly in the spiritual result.a by which they were e.ooompauied e.nd followed. As their Lord foretold, the apostles received power to heal tho sick, to expel demons, ~ raise the d.ea.d. They spake with tongues, 1\8 the Spirit gave them utterance. 'l'ho author of the Epi8tle to the Hebrews best explains these greater works, when ho writes of the great sah·ation, that it "was confirmed unto us by them that heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and .by ~anifold powors; B!Ild by gift.a of the Holy Ghost, aocoMing t.o bis own will." Thus. it was that the moral a.nd spiritual changes, wrought by the agency of the apostle~, were astounding, t~.a-miJ\d capable of measuring and appreciating wonders of this kind. 'l'he works oi this.natur& v.TOught by them were great indeed. Souls wore awakened, taught, counselled, renewed; and saved. The few who were spiritually blessed by the ministry of. Jesus were but the first.fruits of a great hlll"vest reaped in the ministry of his a.postles. A v~ variety, of classes was reached. Gentiles as well as Jews received tho gospel; great _centres of civilization wore attacked by the aggressive, apostolic host. Complete change of cha,- ractcr was effected in unnumbered instances by this consecrat<>d and inspired. agency., Social improvements followed in the train of Christion evangelization-ameliorat~ons which were the ea.rncst -Of the most a.ma.zing transformations which tl).e. wor14, ))as witneased. Fully to realize these " greater works," i_t is necessary to take. & • su:rvey- of the history of Christendom. The glimmering dawn has .been .followed by the glorious day. IV. AF. INSTRUCTIVE SUPERIORITY. These greater works which we witness, _and in, the production of which we are called upon to bear our part, have pr!l,ctical lessons-oi value for us in this spiritual dispensation. 1. They remind us of. the dignJty, power. and glory of the Saviour. Promised by him, they are evidences alike of his faithfulneBS and of his power. He by his Spirit re\"eals his presence iu his Church. 2. They impress upon us our own responsibility. The provision having been. made fQr the continuance of these spiritual operations, Christ's people are called upon to prepare themselves to act as agents in the establishment and extension of his Church on earth. The possession of spiritual gifts ought not to minister to our pride.;. it shoµld remind us of our dependence and of our duty. 3. They encourage us t.o cherish a. bright and glorious hope. What works have yet to be wrought before ~he purpose of God is. achieved, before the sufl'eringe of Christ ar(l rewarded, before the woik of the Church is completedl-T. Vers.13, 14.-Cl,ristian prayer. Great works involve great gifts. • Our Loi-d, having. assured his disciples the.t in the coming dispensation they should perform marvellous achievement.s, transcending e\"en his own deeds of might and grace, now proceeds to explain how they shall be qualified for service so arduous and effective. Pr!lyer shall be offered, and prayer altogether special and Christian; and in anawer to sµ,ch pra.yer the virtue and efficiency needed shall be bestowed. . • .. , , . , . L THF. PRAYER wmCH CH.RIST SANCTIOl!lll, l. The petitions here encouniged aro such as the disciples of Jesus offer. Not that a.oy human being ls. forbidden to pr1'y, but that ther.e is special encouragement for those who are Chn,t's. own scholars ond friends, and that there is a special guarantee on their behalf. 2. The condition affixed w the din-ction and promise of the text is very instructive. Whe.t is asked mwt be asked in Jesus' Name. 'l'his was a new condition, one which u,p 19 this time it was -JJ.ot w their power to fulfil, but which henceforth would be felt by them to~ m9st potural and appropriate. In explaining this oo~dition, it xnnst be borne in. mi~d tltat .Jesus was ex.JJlainirig the unity of his people with himself; so that on the one hand they. were called to bring all their desires jnto harmoay with his will, and on the other hand they were .encouraged t-0 trust in hie mediation and advocacy. 3. The brendth of th# Lord's promise deserves attention. When prayer is o!l'ered by those whom he desc,::i\le_,, drr. x.tv. 1-81.] TllE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOilN. 2-13