John 4:45

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

Then {G3767} when {G3753} he was come {G2064} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, the Galilaeans {G1057} received {G1209} him {G846}, having seen {G3708} all the things {G3956} that {G3739} he did {G4160} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414} at {G1722} the feast {G1859}: for {G1063} they {G846} also {G2532} went {G2064} unto {G1519} the feast {G1859}.

But when he arrived in the Galil, the people there welcomed him, because they had seen all he had done at the festival in Yerushalayim; since they had been there too.

Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.

So when he came into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

Commentary on John 4:45

This verse marks Jesus' return to Galilee after His significant ministry in Judea and Samaria. It highlights the nature of the Galileans' reception of Him, contrasting it with the deeper, word-based faith seen among the Samaritans.

Context

Having just departed from Samaria, where many believed in Him because of His word and the testimony of the Samaritan woman (see John 4:41-42), Jesus now re-enters His home region of Galilee. The "feast" mentioned refers to the Passover, which Jesus had attended in Jerusalem, as detailed in the preceding chapters of John's Gospel. During this time, He performed numerous signs and wonders, including the cleansing of the temple and other miracles that caused many to believe in His name, though John notes their faith was often superficial, based on the signs they saw (John 2:23-25).

Key Themes

  • Reception Based on Signs: The Galileans "received him" not primarily out of deep spiritual understanding or personal conviction from His teaching, but because they had witnessed His "things that he did at Jerusalem." Their reception was founded on sensational miracles rather than a profound belief in His identity or message. This often contrasts with Jesus' desire for a faith that transcends mere spectacle (John 4:48).
  • The Role of Miracles: While miracles served to authenticate Jesus' divine power and mission, they did not always guarantee genuine, transforming faith. For many, they were a spectacle, drawing curiosity and admiration, but not necessarily repentance or commitment.
  • Galilean Expectation: Many Galileans regularly traveled to Jerusalem for the major Jewish feasts, such as Passover. This explains why they were present to witness Jesus' activities there, and their familiarity with His deeds fueled their eagerness to welcome Him back to their region.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "received" is edexanto (ἐδέξαντο), which means to welcome or accept. While it indicates a positive response, the accompanying clause ("having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem") immediately qualifies the nature of this welcome. It suggests a reception driven by observation and spectacle rather than a deep, personal revelation of who Jesus is.

Practical Application

This verse offers a timeless lesson about the nature of faith. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our own belief. Are we drawn to Christ merely by what He can do for us, by impressive displays of power, or by a desire for convenience? Or is our faith rooted in a deeper understanding of who He is—the Son of God, the Savior of the world? Genuine faith seeks Christ Himself, not just His benefits. While God's works can draw us, true discipleship grows from hearing and obeying His word, and from a heart transformed by His grace, as demonstrated by the Samaritans who believed because of His own word.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 2:23

    ¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

  • John 2:13

    And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

  • John 2:16

    And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

  • Deuteronomy 16:16

    Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

  • John 3:2

    The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

  • Luke 8:40

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people [gladly] received him: for they were all waiting for him.

  • Matthew 4:23

    ¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

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