“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son” (I John 5:9). Not only has God testified of His Son, but the Son has given testimony regarding the Father. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). In declaring the Father to the world, Jesus also testified of Himself: “But I have greater witness than that of John (the Baptist, gm): for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me” (John 5:36). The apostle John said, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30,31).

Consider some of His works. He multiplied the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:19-21). Controlled the wind in calming the stormy sea (Mark 4:39). Had power over sickness of the body (Mark 1:30,34). He cast out demons (Mark 1:34). He raised the dead, showing His power over death (John 11:43,44). He had a part in His own resurrection (John 10:17,18; I Peter 3:18). On occasion, He cast out demons by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28), which demonstrates that members of the Godhood work harmoniously. In addition, He forgave sins (Mark 2:5) and accepted worship (Mark 5:6; John 9:38).

After ascending back to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), Jesus was seated at the right hand of God (Acts 2:32-35), ruling as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14). Though in heaven, He was involved in the demonstration of the powers of God on earth. Consider this statement by Luke the historian, which was recorded by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “Long time therefore abode they (Paul and Barnabas, gm) speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3). Luke said Jesus gave testimony. Mark said something similar: “And they (the apostles, gm) went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20). How did Jesus give testimony to His word? How did He confirm the word with signs following? The Hebrew writer answers: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will” (Hebrews 2:3,4)?

Jesus promised the apostles another comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 15:26), who would come after His return to the Father (John 16:7). With the Holy Spirit would come the kingdom and the power (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4). He would the guide the apostles “...into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). The work of the Holy Spirit involved three things: Revelation, inspiration, and confirmation. Revelation and inspiration were involved in preaching (Matthew 10:19,20) and recording (Ephesians 3:1-6) the gospel. Confirmation involved miraculous powers which demonstrated God’s approval. The work of confirmation involved the powers of the apostles to work miracles (Acts 3:1-11) and bestow miraculous gifts (Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-7). The power to give miraculous gifts to others was the sign of an apostle (II Corinthians 12:12). Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, nine miraculous gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11) were given. Through these gifts, the word was confirmed. “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power...” (I Corinthians 2:4). The signs demonstrated that the man and his message were from God (Acts 8:5-13; Acts 28:1-6). Miracles confirmed the spoken word. Since the word has been delivered (Jude 3), confirmed and recorded, miracles, being no longer needed, have vanished away (I Cor 13:8-10).