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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers John 7:1–13. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here, I. The reason given why Christ spent more of his time in Galilee than in Judea (Joh 7:1): because the Jews, the people in Judea and Jerusalem, sought to kill him, for curing the impotent man on the sabbath day, Joh 5:16. They thought to be the death of him, either by a popular tumult or by a legal prosecution, in consideration of which he kept at a distance in another part of the country, very much out of the lines of Jerusalem's communication. It is not said, He durst not, but, He would not, walk in Jewry; it was not through fear and cowardice that he declined it, but in prudence, because his hour was not yet come. Note, 1. Gospel light is justly taken away from those that endeavour to extinguish it. Christ will withdraw from those that drive him from them, will hide his face from those that spit in it, and justly shut up his bowels from those who spurn at them. 2. In times of imminent peril it is not only allowable, but advisable, to withdraw and abscond for our own safety and preservation, and to choose the service of those places which are least perilous, Mat 10:23. Then, and not till then, we are called to expose and lay down our lives, when we cannot save them without sin. 3. If the providence of God casts persons of merit into places of obscurity and little note, it must not be thought strange; it was the lot of our Master himself. He who was fit to have sat in the highest of Moses's seats willingly walked in Galilee among the ordinary sort of people. Observe, He did not sit still in Galilee, nor bury himself alive there, but walked; he went about doing good. When we cannot do what and where we would, we must do what and where we can.
II.The approach of the feast of tabernacles (Joh 7:2), one of the three solemnities which called for the personal attendance of all the males at Jerusalem; see the institution of it, Lev 23:34, etc., and the revival of it after a long disuse, Neh 8:14. It was intended to be both a memorial of the tabernacle state of Israel in the wilderness, and a figure of the tabernacle state of God's spiritual Israel in this world. This feast, which was instituted so many hundred years before, was still religiously observed. Note, Divine institutions are never antiquated, nor go out of date, by length of time: nor must wilderness mercies ever be forgotten. But it is called the Jews' feast, because it was now shortly to be abolished, as a mere Jewish thing, and left to them that served the tabernacle.
III.Christ's discourse with his brethren, some of his kindred, whether by his mother or his supposed father is not certain; but they were such as pretended to have an interest in him, and therefore interposed to advise him in his conduct. And observe,
1.Their ambition and vain-glory in urging him to make a more public appearance than he did: "Depart hence," said they, "and go into Judea (Joh 7:3), where thou wilt make a better figure than thou canst here."
(1.)They give two reasons for this advice: [1.] That it would be an encouragement to those in and about Jerusalem who had a respect for him; for, expecting his temporal kingdom, the royal seat of which they concluded must be at Jerusalem, they would have had the disciples there particularly countenanced, and thought the time he spent among his Galilean disciples wasted and thrown away, and his miracles turning to no account unless those at Jerusalem saw them. Or, "That thy disciples, all of them in general, who will be gathered at Jerusalem to keep the feast, may see thy works, and not, as here, a few at one time and a few at another." [2.] That it would be for the advancement of his name and honour: There is no man that does any thing in secret if he himself seeks to be known openly. They took it for granted that Christ sought to make himself known, and therefore thought it absurd for him to conceal his miracles: "If thou do these things, if thou be so well able to gain the applause of the people and the approbation of the rulers by thy miracles, venture abroad, and show thyself to the world. Supported with these credentials, thou canst not fail of acceptance, and therefore it is high time to set up for an interest, and to think of being great."
(2.)One would not think there was any harm in this advice, and yet the evangelist noted it is an evidence of their infidelity: For neither did his brethren believe in him (Joh 7:5), if they had, they would not have said this. Observe,
[1.]It was an honour to be of the kindred of Christ, but no saving honour; they that hear his word and keep it are the kindred he values. Surely grace runs in no blood in the world, when not in that of Christ's family.
[2.]It was a sign that Christ did not aim at any secular interest, for then his kindred would have struck in with him, and he would have secured them first.
[3.]There were those who were akin to Christ according to the flesh who did believe in him (three of the twelve were his brethren), and yet others, as nearly allied to him as they, did not believe in him. Many that have the same external privileges and advantages do not make the same use of them. But,
(3.)What was there amiss in the advice which they gave him? I answer,
[1.]It was a piece of presumption for them to prescribe to Christ, and to teach him what measures to take; it was a sign that they did not believe him able to guide them, when they did not think him sufficient to guide himself.
[2.]They discovered a great carelessness about his safety, when they would have him go to Judea, where they knew the Jews sought to kill him. Those that believed in him, and loved him, dissuaded him from Judea, Joh 11:8.
[3.]Some think they hoped that if his miracles were wrought at Jerusalem the Pharisees and rulers would try them, and discover some cheat in them, which would justify their unbelief. So. Dr. Whitby.
[4.]Perhaps they were weary of his company in Galilee (for are not all these that speak Galileans?) and this was, in effect, a desire that he would depart out of their coasts.
[5.]They causelessly insinuate that he neglected his disciples, and denied them such a sight of his works as was necessary to the support of their faith.
[6.]They tacitly reproach him as mean-spirited, that he durst not enter the lists with the great men, nor trust himself upon the stage of public action, which, if he had any courage and greatness of soul, he would do, and not sneak thus and skulk in a corner; thus Christ's humility, and his humiliation, and the small figure which his religion has usually made in the world, have been often turned to the reproach of both him and it.
[7.]They seem to question the truth of the miracles he wrought, in saying, "If thou do these things, if they will bear the test of a public scrutiny in the courts above, produce them there." [8.] They think Christ altogether such a one as themselves, as subject as they to worldly policy, and as desirous as they to make a fair show in the flesh; whereas he sought not honour from men. [9.] Self was at the bottom of all; they hoped, if he would make himself as great as he might, they, being his kinsmen, should share in his honour, and have respect paid them for his sake. Note, First, Many carnal people go to public ordinances, to worship at the feast, only to show themselves, and all their care is to make a good appearance, to present themselves handsomely to the world. Secondly, Many that seem to seek Christ's honour do really therein seek their own, and make it serve a turn for themselves.
2.The prudence and humility of our Lord Jesus, which appeared in his answer to the advice his brethren gave him, Joh 7:6-8. Though there were so many base insinuations in it, he answered them mildly. Note, Even that which is said without reason should be answered without passion; we should learn of our Master to reply with meekness even to that which is most impertinent and imperious, and, where it is easy to find much amiss, to seem not to see it, and wink at the affront. They expected Christ's company with them to the feast, perhaps hoping he would bear their charges: but here,
(1.)He shows the difference between himself and them, in two things: - [1.] His time was set, so was not theirs: My time is not yet come, but your time is always ready. Understand it of the time of his going up to the feast. It was an indifferent thing to them when they went, for they had nothing of moment to do either where they were, to detain them there, or where they were going, to hasten them thither; but every minute of Christ's time was precious, and had its own particular business allotted to it. He had some work yet to do in Galilee before he left the country: in the harmony of the gospels betwixt this motion made by his kindred and his going up to this feast comes in the story of his sending forth the seventy disciples (Luk 10:1, etc.), which was an affair of very great consequence; his time is not yet, for that must be done first. Those who live useless lives have their time always ready; they can go and come when they please. But those whose time is filled up with duty will often find themselves straitened, and they have not yet time for that which others can do at any time. Those who are made the servants of God, as all men are, and who have made themselves the servants of all, as all useful men have, must not expect not covet to be masters of their own time. The confinement of business is a thousand times better than the liberty of idleness. or, it may be meant of the time of his appearing publicly at Jerusalem; Christ, who knows all men and all things, knew that the best and most proper time for it would be about the middle of the feast. We, who are ignorant and short-sighted, are apt to prescribe to him, and to think he should deliver his people, and so show himself now. The present time is our time, but he is fittest to judge, and, it may be, his time is not yet come; his people are not yet ready for deliverance, nor his enemies ripe for ruin; let us therefore wait with patience for his time, for all he does will be most glorious in its season. [2.] His life was sought, so was not theirs, Joh 7:7. They, in showing themselves to the world, did not expose themselves: "The world cannot hate you, for you are of the world, its children, its servants, and in with its interests; and no doubt the world will love its own;" see Joh 15:19. Unholy souls, whom the holy God cannot love, the world that lies in wickedness cannot hate; but Christ, in showing himself to the world, laid himself open to the greatest danger; for me it hateth. Christ was not only slighted, as inconsiderable in the world (the world knew him not), but hated, as if he had been hurtful to the world; thus ill was he requited for his love to the world: reigning sin is a rooted antipathy and enmity to Christ. But why did the world hate Christ? What evil had he done to it? Had he, like Alexander, under colour of conquering it, laid it waste? "No, but because" (saith he) "I testify of it, that the works of it are evil." Note, First, The works of an evil world are evil works; as the tree is, so are the fruits: it is a dark world, and an apostate world, and its works are works of darkness and rebellion. Secondly, Our Lord Jesus, both by himself and by his ministers, did and will both discover and testify against the evil works of this wicked world. Thirdly, It is a great uneasiness and provocation to the world to be convicted of the evil of its works. It is for the honour of virtue and piety that those who are impious and vicious do not care for hearing of it, for their own consciences make them ashamed of the turpitude there is in sin and afraid of the punishment that follows after sin. Fourthly, Whatever is pretended, the real cause of the world's enmity to the gospel is the testimony it bears against sin and sinners. Christ's witnesses by their doctrine and conversation torment those that dwell on the earth, and therefore are treated so barbarously, Rev 11:10. But it is better to incur the world's hatred, by testifying against its wickedness, than gain its good-will by going down the stream with it.
(2.)He dismisses them, with a design to stay behind for some time in Galilee (Joh 7:8): Go you up to this feast, I go not up yet.
[1.]He allows their going to the feast, though they were carnal and hypocritical in it. Note, Even those who go not to holy ordinances with right affections and sincere intentions must not be hindered nor discouraged from going; who knows but they may be wrought upon there?
[2.]He denies them his company when they went to the feast, because they were carnal and hypocritical. Those who go to ordinances for ostentation, or to serve some secular purpose, go without Christ, and will speed accordingly. How sad is the condition of that man, though he reckon himself akin to Christ, to whom he saith, "Go up to such an ordinance, Go pray, Go hear the word, Go receive the sacrament, but I go not up with thee? Go thou and appear before God, but I will not appear for thee," as Exo 33:1-3. But, if the presence of Christ go not with us, to what purpose should we go up? Go you up, I go not up. When we are going to, or coming fRom. solemn ordinances, it becomes us to be careful what company we have and choose, and to avoid that which is vain and carnal, lest the coal of good affections be quenched by corrupt communication. I go not up yet to this feast; he does not say, I will not go up at all, but not yet. There may be reasons for deferring a particular duty, which yet must not be wholly omitted or laid aside; see Num 9:6-11. The reason he gives is, My time is not yet fully come. Note, Our Lord Jesus is very exact and punctual in knowing and keeping his time, and, as it was the time fixed, so it was the best time.
3.Christ's continuance in Galilee till his full time was come, Joh 7:9. He, saying these things to them (tauta de eipōn) abode still in Galilee; because of this discourse he continued there; for,
(1.)He would not be influenced by those who advised him to seek honour from men, nor go along with those who put him upon making a figure; he would not seem to countenance the temptation.
(2.)He would not depart from his own purpose. He had said, upon a clear foresight and mature deliberation, that he would not go up yet to this feast, and therefore he abode still in Galilee. It becomes the followers of Christ thus to be steady, and not to use lightness.
4.His going up to the feast when his time was come. Observe,
(1.)When he went: When his brethren were gone up. He would not go up with them, lest they should make a noise and disturbance, under pretence of showing him to the world; whereas it agreed both with the prediction and with his spirit not to strive nor cry, nor let his voice be heard in the streets, Isa 42:2. But he went up after them. We may lawfully join in the same religious worship with those with whom we should yet decline an intimate acquaintance and converse; for the blessing of ordinances depends upon the grace of God, and not upon the grace of our fellow-worshippers. His carnal brethren went up first, and then he went. Note, In the external performances of religion it is possible that formal hypocrites may get the start of those that are sincere. Many come first to the temple who are brought thither by vain-glory, and go thence unjustified, as he, Luk 18:11. It is not, Who comes first? that will be the question, but, Who comes fittest? If we bring our hearts with us, it is no matter who gets before us.
(2.)How he went, ōs en kruptō - as if he were hiding himself: not openly, but as it were in secret, rather for fear of giving offence than of receiving injury. He went up to the feast, because it was an opportunity of honouring God and doing good; but he went up as it were in secret, because he would not provoke the government. Note, Provided the work of God be done effectually, it is best done when done with least noise. The kingdom of God need not come with observation, Luk 17:20. We may do the work of God privately, and yet not do it deceitfully.
5.The great expectation that there was of him among the Jews at Jerusalem, Joh 7:11-14. Having formerly come up to the feasts, and signalized himself by the miracles he wrought, he had made himself the subject of much discourse and observation.
(1.)They could not but think of him (Joh 7:11): The Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
[1.]The common people longed to see him there, that they might have their curiosity gratified with the sight of his person and miracles. They did not think it worth while to go to him into Galilee, though if they had they would not have lost their labour, but they hoped the feast would bring him to Jerusalem, and then they should see him. If an opportunity of acquaintance with Christ come to their door, they can like it well enough. They sought him at the feast. When we attend upon God in his holy ordinances, we should seek Christ in them, seek him at the gospel feasts. Those who would see Christ at a feast must seek him there. Or,
[2.]Perhaps it was his enemies that were thus waiting an opportunity to seize him, and, if possible, to put an effectual stop to his progress. They said, Where is he? pou esin ekeinos - where is that fellow? Thus scornfully and contemptibly do they speak of him. When they should have welcomed the feast as an opportunity of serving God, they were glad of it as an opportunity of persecuting Christ. Thus Saul hoped to slay David at the new moon, Sa1 20:27. Those who seek opportunity to sin in solemn assemblies for religious worship profane God's ordinances to the last degree, and defy him upon his own ground; it is like striking within the verge of the court.
(2.)The people differed much in their sentiments concerning him (Joh 7:12): There was much murmuring, or muttering rather, among the people concerning him. The enmity of the rulers against Christ, and their enquiries after him, caused him to be so much the more talked of and observed among the people. This ground the gospel of Christ has got by the opposition made to it, that it has been the more enquired into, and, by being every where spoken against, it has come to be every where spoken of, and by this means has been spread the further, and the merits of his cause have been the more searched into. This murmuring was not against Christ, but concerning him; some murmured at the rulers, because they did not countenance and encourage him: others murmured at them, because they did not silence and restrain him. Some murmured that he had so great an interest in Galilee; others, that he had so little interest in Jerusalem. Note, Christ and his religion have been, and will be, the subject of much controversy and debate, Luk 12:51, Luk 12:52. If all would agree to entertain Christ as they ought, there would be perfect peace; but, when some receive the light and others resolve against it, there will be murmuring. The bones in the valley, while they were dead and dry, lay quiet; but when it was said unto them, Live, there was a noise and a shaking, Eze 37:7. But the noise and rencounter of liberty and business are preferable, surely, to the silence and agreement of a prison. Now what were the sentiments of the people concerning him?
[1.]Some said, he is a good man. This was a truth, but it was far short of being the whole truth. He was not only a good man, but more than a man, he was the Son of God. Many who have no ill thoughts of Christ have yet low thoughts of him, and scarcely honour him, even when they speak well of him, because they do not say enough; yet indeed it was his honour, and the reproach of those who persecuted him, that even those who would not believe him to be the Messiah could not but own he was a good man.
[2.]Others said, Nay, but he deceiveth the people; if this had been true, he had been a very bad man. The doctrine he preached was sound, and could not be contested; his miracles were real, and could not be disproved; his conversation was manifestly holy and good; and yet it must be taken for granted, notwithstanding, that there was some undiscovered cheat at the bottom, because it was the interest of the chief priests to oppose him and run him down. Such murmuring as there was among the Jews concerning Christ there is still among us: the Socinians say, He is a good man, and further they say not; the deists will not allow this, but say, He deceived the people. Thus some depreciate him, others abuse him, but great is the truth.
[3.]They were frightened by their superiors from speaking much of him (Joh 7:13): No man spoke openly of him, for fear of the Jews. Either, First, They durst not openly speak well of him. While any one was at liberty to censure and reproach him, none durst vindicate him. Or, Secondly, They durst not speak at all of him openly. Because nothing could justly be said against him, they would not suffer any thing to be said of him. It was a crime to name him. Thus many have aimed to suppress truth, under colour of silencing disputes about it, and would have all talk of religion hushed, in hopes thereby to bury in oblivion religion itself.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
18 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"My time is not yet come." He here seemeth to me to hint at something other than He expresseth; perhaps in their envy they designed to deliver Him up to the Jews; and pointing out this to them, He saith, "My time is not yet come," that is, "the time of the Cross and the Death, why then hasten ye to slay Me before the time?"
"But your time is always ready." As though He had said, "Though ye be ever with the Jews, they will not slay you who desire the same things with them; but Me they will straightway wish to kill. So that it is ever your time to be with them without danger, but My time is when the season of the Cross is at hand, when I must die." For that this was His meaning, He showed by what followed.
From this let us learn to master our anger, and not to give way to unworthy passion, though they be mean men who give us counsel. For if Christ meekly bore with unbelievers counseling Him, when their counsel was improper and not from any good intention, what pardon shall we obtain, who being but dust and ashes, yet are annoyed with those who counsel us, and deem that we are unworthily treated, although the persons who do this may be but a little humbler than ourselves? Observe in this instance how He repelleth their accusation with all gentleness; for when they say, "Show Thyself to the world," He replieth, "The world cannot hate you, but Me the world hateth"; thus removing their accusation. "So far," He saith, "am I from seeking honor from men, that I cease not to reprove them, and this when I know that by this course hatred is produced against and death prepared for Me."
"After these things was the Jews' feast of tabernacles." The words, "after these things," mean only, that the writer has here been concise, and has passed over a long interval of time, as is clear from this circumstance. When Christ sat on the mountain, he saith, that it was the feast of the Passover; while here the writer mentions the "feast of tabernacles," and during the five months hath neither related or taught us anything else, except the miracle of the loaves, and the sermon made to those who ate them. Yet He ceased not to work miracles, and to converse, both in the day, and in the evening, and oftentimes at night; at least, it was thus that He presided over His disciples, as all the Evangelists tell us. Why then have they omitted that interval? Because it was impossible to recount everything fully, and moreover, because they were anxious to mention those points which were followed by any fault-finding or gainsaying of the Jews.
And it is worth our while to admire their truth-loving disposition, how they are not ashamed to relate things which seem to bring disgrace upon their Teacher, but have been even more anxious to report these than other matters. For instance, the writer having passed by many signs and wonders and sermons, has sprung at once to this. For, saith he, "His brethren said unto Him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that Thy disciples also may see the works that Thou doest; for there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. Show thyself to the world. For neither did His brethren believe in Him."
And wherefore doth He send them to the feast, saying, "Go ye up to the feast: I go not up yet"? To show that He said these things not as needing them, or desiring to be flattered by them, but permitting them to do what pertained to Jews. "How then," saith some one, "went He up after saying, 'I go not up'?" He said not, once for all, "I go not up," but, "now," that is, "not with you."
(Hom. xlviii. 1) That is to say, He displayed the attribute both of divinity and humanity. He fled from His persecutors as man, He remained and appeared amongst them as God; being really both.
(Hom. xlviii. 1) It appears here, that a considerable time had passed since the last events. For when our Lord sat upon the mount, it was near the feast of the Passover, and now it is the feast of tabernacles: so that in the five intermediate months the Evangelist has related nothing but the miracle of the loaves, and the conversation with those who ate of them. As our Lord was unceasingly working miracles, and holding disputes with people, the Evangelists could not relate all; but only aimed at giving those, in which complaint or opposition had followed on the part of the Jews, as was the case here.
(Hom. xlviii. 1, 2) It is striking to observe the great sincerity of the Evangelists; that they are not ashamed to mention things which appear to be to our Lord's disadvantage, but take particular care to tell us of them. It is a considerable reflexion on our Lord, that His brethren do not believe on Him. The beginning of their speech has a friendly appearance about it: but there is much bitterness in it, thus charging Him with the motives of fear and vain glory; No man, say they, doeth any thing in secret: this was reproaching Him tacitly with fear; and was an insinuation too that His miracles had not been real and solid ones. In what follows, And he himself seeketh to be known openly, they taunt Him with the love of glory. Christ however answers them mildly, teaching us not to take the advice of people ever so inferior to ourselves angrily; Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
(Hom. xlviii. 2) Or there seems to be another meaning concealed in the words; perhaps they intended to betray Him to the Jews; and therefore He says, My time is not yet come, i. e. the time of My cross and death: but your time is always ready; for though you are always with the Jews, they will not kill you, because you are of the same mind with them: The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil: as if He said, How can the world hate them who have the same wishes and aims with itself? It hateth Me, because I reprove it. I seek not then glory from men; inasmuch as I hesitate not to reprove them, though I know that I am hated in consequence, and that My life is aimed at. Here we see that the hatred of the Jews was owing to His reproofs, not to His breaking the sabbath.
(Hom. xlviii. 2) This is to show too, that, while He does not wish to humour them, He still allows them to observe the Jewish ordinances.
(Hom. xlviii. 2) i. e. not with you, for My time is not yet full come. It was at the next passover that He was to be crucified.
But observe, I pray you, the power of Christ. Of those who said these things, one became first Bishop of Jerusalem, the blessed James, of whom Paul saith, "Other of the Apostles saw I none, save James, the Lord's brother"; and Judas also is said to have been a marvelous man. And yet these persons had been present also at Cana, when the wine was made, but as yet they profited nothing. Whence then had they so great unbelief? From their evil mind, and from envy; for superiority among kindred is wont somehow to be envied by such as are not alike exalted.
"The world cannot hate you;" (how should it hate those who desire, and who run for the same objects as itself?) "but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." That is, because I upbraid and rebuke it, therefore I am hated.
Nothing is worse than envy and malice; through these death entered into the world. For when the devil saw man honored, he endured not his prosperity, but used every means to destroy him. And from the same root one may everywhere see this same fruit produced. Thus Abel was slain; thus David, with many other just men, was like to have been so; from this also the Jews became Christ-slayers. And declaring this the Evangelist said, "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He had not power to walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him."
The Evangelist spake not so that he might be supposed to utter riddles, but to make it plain that He showeth proofs both of His Godhead and His Manhood. For when he saith, that "He had not power," he speaketh of Him as a man, doing many things after the manner of men; but when he saith, that He stood in the midst of them, and they seized Him not, he showeth to us the power of the Godhead, (as man He fled, as God He appeared,) and in both cases he speaks truly. To be in the midst of those who were plotting against Him, and yet not be seized by them, showed His unrivaled and irresistible nature; to yield strengthened and authenticated the Dispensation, that neither Paul of Samosata, nor Marcion, nor those affected with their maladies, might have anything to say.
"And where," asketh some one, "did He rebuke men?" When did He ever cease to do so? Did He not say, "Think not that I will accuse you to the Father? There is one that accuseth you, even Moses." And again; "I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you": and "How can ye believe, who receive honor from men, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" Seest thou how He hath everywhere shown, that it was the open rebuke, not the violation of the Sabbath, which caused the hatred against Him?
"For My time is not yet fulfilled." And yet He was about to be crucified at the coming Passover. "How then went He not up also? for if He went not up because the time was not yet come, He ought not to have gone up at all." But He went not up for this purpose, that He might suffer, but that He might instruct them. "But wherefore secretly? since He might by going openly both have been amidst them, and have restrained their unruly impulses as He often did." It was because He would not do this continually. Since had He gone up openly, and again blinded them, He would have made His Godhead to shine through in a greater degree, which at present behooved not, but He rather concealed it. And since they thought that His remaining was from cowardice, He showeth them the contrary, and that it was from confidence, and a dispensation, and that knowing beforehand the time when He should suffer, He would, when it should at length be at hand, be most desirous of going up to Jerusalem.
What unbelief, saith some one, is here? They exhort Him to work miracles. It is great deed; for of unbelief come their words, and their insolence, and their unseasonable freedom of speech. For they thought, that owing to their relationship, it was lawful for them to address Him boldly. And their request seems forsooth to be that of friends, but the words were those of great maliciousness. For in this place they reproach Him with cowardice and vainglory: since to say, "no man doeth anything in secret," is the expression of persons charging Him with cowardice, and suspecting the things done by Him as being not really done; and to add, that "he seeketh to be known," was to accuse Him of vainglory.
What sayest thou, O blessed John? Had not He "power," who was able to do all that He would? He that said, "Whom seek ye?" and cast them backward? He who was present, yet not seen, had not He "power"? How then afterwards did He come among them in the midst of the temple, in the midst of the feast, when there was an assembly, when they that longed for murder were present, and utter those sayings which enraged them yet the more? Yea, this at least men marveled at, saying, "Is not this He, whom they seek to kill? And, lo, He speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto Him."
What said He further? "The world cannot hate you." What is this, but, The world cannot hate its lovers, the false witnesses? For you call the things that are evil, good; and the things that are good, evil. "But me it hateth, because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil."
The Savior very kindly reproves his brothers who are still too worldly-minded and disposed. And so, he brings forward a second skillful defense whereby he shows not only that they are ignorant of who he is by nature but that they are still so far removed from love toward him that they choose to live in a way conformed to those who admire living in the world instead of cultivating virtue.… [He says to them]: The world does not hate you (for you still savor that which is of it), but it hates me, nor does it take kindly to its being accused by me for its unseemly actions. Therefore, you go up safely to the feast, but I will not because I shall surely dispute with them and, being present, tell them what is for their own good. However, reproof is bitter to lovers of pleasure and good for kindling wrath in the one that receives it without a sober mind.…For the world loves sin. The Lord is a corrector of those who do not act rightly. And correction must often be attained by reproof. For the mere calling of a sin a sin is already a rebuke to those who love that sin, and the reproof of iniquity already lays blame on those who have that iniquity. And so, when necessity calls for the teacher to administer reproof, and the mode of cure requires it to happen in this way, and the one being instructed by such a rebuke against his will is exceedingly angry, then the ills of hatred must surely arise. Therefore, the Savior says that he is hated by the world in that it cannot yet bear exhortation with rebuke when it really needs to do so in order to profit from it. For the mind that is in bondage to evil pleasures gets quite angry with the advice that would persuade it to shape up. And the Savior says these things, not altogether saying that he will not go to Jerusalem or refusing to give the reproofs that may be profitable to the sinners, but minded to do this too and everything else at the proper time.
Very kindly now also doth the Saviour reprove His brethren, who are still too worldly-minded and disposed, and brings forward a second defence, mingled with skill, whereby He shows that not only are they ignorant Who He is by Nature, but are still so far removed from love to Him, as to choose to live in a way not unconformed to them who admire living in the world, and not rather in virtue. For it would have been verily most absurd to say to everybody else what would be of use, having laid aside all disguise about it, yet not to bestow on His reputed brethren, in far greater measure, things wherewith they, having now the Giver of wisdom, might learn with no slight profit. And this is the custom of our Saviour Christ. For He sometimes seizing favourable opportunity fashioneth great instruction unto His hearers. Ever dear therefore (saith He) to each is that which is akin to it, and identity of habit wondrously bringeth together unto agreement. The world doth not hate you (for ye savour yet that which is of it) but Me it hateth, taking not kindly its being accused by Me for its unseemly deeds. Therefore with safety will YE go up to the feast, I not. For I shall surely dispute and being present tell them what is for their good; but bitter to lovers of pleasure is reproof, and meet for kindling unto wrath him that receives it not in due sobriety of mind.
But in these words again doth the Lord profit us too. For it is profitable not to make one's reproofs inconsiderately, nor to give to all instruction through reproof, but to know what is written, Rebuke not the bad lest they hate thee (for hatred is not unharmful to us) but rather to be zealous to speak in the ears of them that hear, as it is written. For the world loveth sin, the Lord is a corrector of them that act not rightly: and correction must often be attained by reproof. For the mere enumeration of sin, is a rebuke to those who love it, and the reproof of iniquity, is blame to those who have it. When therefore necessity calls the teacher to administer reproof, and the mode of cure requires this to be gone through, and he that is being against his will instructed by rebuke is exceeding angry, then must the ills of hatred surely arise. Therefore does the Saviour say He is hated by the world, in that it cannot yet bear exhortation with rebuke, when it ought to do so for profit sake. For the mind that is in bondage to evil pleasures, is quite angry with the advice that would persuade it to due sobriety. And these things the Saviour says, not altogether saying that He will not go to Jerusalem, nor refusing to give the reproofs which may be profitable to the sinners, but minded to do this too and every thing else at the fit time. And we must observe that He says something of the same kind to His own disciples also. For when He was encouraging them, and teaching them not to be too indignant at the things that should come to pass, when they should preach Him to the world, and fall into a thousand trials in consequence, He says, If ye were of the world, the world would love his own, but because ye are not of the world, therefore the world hateth you; calling the world here not the visible creation, but rather they who savour the things of the world, by whom one who loves not the same as they and that exceedingly is deemed an hard man and an adverse and an enemy: but akin and dear is he who consents with them, and by sameness of life is entangled together with them in congeniality in baseness.
Our Lord brings two arguments in answer to their two charges. To the charge of fear He answers, that He reproves the deeds of the world, i. e. of those who love worldly things; which He would not do, if He were under the influence of fear; and He replies to the charge of vain glory, by sending them to the feast, Go ye up unto this feast. Had He been possessed at all with the desire for glory, He would have kept them with Him: for the vain glorious like to have many followers.
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Summary
In John 7:7, Jesus explains to His unbelieving half-brothers why He must navigate the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles with strategic discretion rather than public display. He reveals a profound spiritual truth: while the world has no reason to hate them because their lives align with its values, it actively hates Him because His very presence and testimony expose the inherent evil of its works and systems, thus provoking its deep-seated animosity.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a pivotal exchange between Jesus and His brothers as the Feast of Tabernacles approaches in John 7:1-13. His brothers, who at this point do not believe in Him (John 7:5), urge Him to go to Judea publicly to demonstrate His power and gain recognition. Jesus' response in John 7:6-8 reveals His awareness of the dangers in Judea and His commitment to God's perfect timing, not human pressure. John 7:7 serves as the theological explanation for His strategic delay and discreet journey, highlighting the fundamental spiritual conflict between Jesus, the embodiment of divine truth, and a world opposed to God. This sets the stage for the escalating tension and opposition Jesus faces throughout the remainder of the Gospel.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, requiring all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). It was a time of nationalistic fervor and messianic expectation, making Jerusalem a volatile place for anyone claiming to be the Messiah. The brothers' urging for Jesus to go to Judea reflects the common expectation that the Messiah would perform public, undeniable signs in the spiritual and political center of Judaism. Jesus' refusal to conform to these expectations, coupled with His statement about the world's hatred, underscores the profound difference between popular messianic hopes and His true spiritual mission. The contrast between Galilee (where Jesus had more popular support and less immediate threat from Jerusalem authorities) and Judea (the seat of power and religious orthodoxy) is also significant, as Jesus' journey to the feast would entail entering hostile territory.
Key Themes
John 7:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the World's Hostility to Divine Truth. The "world" (Greek: kosmos) in Johannine theology often refers not to the physical creation, but to humanity organized apart from God, a system of values and beliefs that stands in opposition to God's righteous rule. Jesus, as the incarnate Word and Truth (John 1:14, John 14:6), inherently exposes the darkness of this world, leading to its hatred rather than acceptance. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Exposure of Evil. Jesus' "testimony" acts as a divine spotlight, revealing the sin, hypocrisy, and rebellion against God inherent in human systems and deeds. This exposure brings conviction, which, as John 3:19-20 explains, often leads to hostility and rejection rather than repentance. Finally, this statement serves as a Foreshadowing of Persecution, not only for Jesus but also for His future followers. As disciples bear witness to Him and His truth, they too will inevitably face opposition and hatred from a world that rejects God and His standards (John 15:18-19).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, often used by John, refers not merely to the physical planet or all humanity, but specifically to the fallen, alienated human society and its prevailing system of values, beliefs, and practices that stands in opposition to God. It signifies humanity in its moral and spiritual rebellion against its Creator, organized apart from God's rule.
This word denotes a strong, active detestation, not merely a mild dislike. It implies a deep-seated animosity and hostility, often leading to persecution. In this context, it describes the world's inherent and active opposition to Jesus because He represents divine truth and righteousness, which fundamentally challenges its sinful nature.
To bear witness, to give evidence, or to declare truth. Jesus' testimony is not merely a verbal statement but His entire life, teachings, and actions, which collectively serve as an undeniable witness to the world's moral condition. His very presence and character are a constant, living indictment against the world's sin.
This adjective describes something as hurtful, morally culpable, vicious, or harmful, particularly in its effect or influence. It refers to deeds and character that are inherently bad, not just in appearance but in their very nature and consequences. Jesus' testimony reveals that the world's "works" are not just flawed, but fundamentally wicked and contrary to God's will.
Verse Breakdown
"The world cannot hate you;"
Jesus addresses His half-brothers, who at this point did not believe in Him and were still operating within the world's framework. Their "works" (actions, intentions, values) were not in opposition to the world's systems; they sought worldly recognition and power, aligning with the world's ambitions. Therefore, the world had no reason to hate them, as they did not challenge its status quo or expose its sin.
"but me it hateth,"
In stark contrast to His brothers, Jesus declares that the world actively and intensely hates Him. This hatred is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of His identity and mission. He stands apart from the world, refusing to conform to its values or seek its approval, thereby provoking its animosity.
"because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."
This clause provides the crucial reason for the world's hatred. Jesus' "testimony" — His teachings, His miracles, His very life — serves as an undeniable witness against the world. He exposes its moral corruption, its rebellion against God, and the inherent wickedness of its deeds and systems. This divine exposure brings conviction, and rather than leading to repentance, it often incites hostility from those who prefer darkness to light.
Literary Devices
John 7:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Antithesis or Contrast, seen in the direct opposition between "you" (Jesus' brothers) and "me" (Jesus), and the contrasting responses of the world ("cannot hate you" vs. "me it hateth"). This stark contrast highlights the fundamental spiritual chasm between those who align with the world's values and the Son of God who exposes its depravity. Personification is also evident, as "the world" is given the human capacity to "hate" and its "works" are described as "evil," treating an abstract concept as an active, malevolent entity. This emphasizes the pervasive and active nature of humanity's rebellion against God. Finally, the phrase "testify of it, that the works thereof are evil" functions as a form of Exposition or Clarification, directly stating the reason for the world's hatred, leaving no ambiguity about the source of the conflict.
Theological and Thematic Connections
John 7:7 encapsulates a central theological truth: the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. Jesus, as the embodiment of divine truth and righteousness, naturally stands in opposition to a world steeped in sin and rebellion. His presence, words, and deeds act as a divine light that exposes the darkness, convicting those who prefer their evil ways. This dynamic is not unique to Jesus; it reflects a recurring pattern throughout biblical history where God's messengers and His truth are met with resistance and hostility from a fallen world. From the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke truth to power, to the early church facing persecution, the world's rejection of divine revelation is a consistent theme, rooted in its preference for self-rule over God's righteous reign. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that the Gospel, while offering salvation, also inherently challenges and exposes the sinfulness of human systems and hearts, thereby provoking opposition from those who refuse to repent.
Reflection and Application
John 7:7 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world that often stands in opposition to biblical truth and Christian values. It helps us understand that the resistance, ridicule, or outright hostility we may encounter when living out our faith is not a sign of our failure, but often a natural consequence of bearing witness to Christ in a fallen world. Just as Jesus' light exposed the world's darkness, our lives, when lived authentically for Him, will inevitably highlight the moral and spiritual deficiencies of a world organized apart from God. This verse calls us to embrace our distinctiveness, recognizing that faithfulness to Christ means embracing a message that inherently convicts the world. It encourages us to examine our own "works"—our actions, priorities, and values—to ensure they align with God's will rather than subtly conforming to worldly standards. Understanding this inherent conflict should not lead to despair or withdrawal, but rather to a strengthened resolve to live distinctly, humbly, and courageously for Christ, trusting that His truth, though hated by some, is the only path to true life and freedom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the world" mean in this context, and why can it not hate Jesus' brothers?
In John's Gospel, "the world" (Greek: kosmos) often refers not to the physical creation, but to humanity in its fallen state, alienated from God, and the system of values, beliefs, and practices that stands in opposition to God's righteous rule. It represents human society organized apart from God. Jesus says the world "cannot hate" His brothers because their "works" or ways of life were aligned with the world's values and ambitions. They sought worldly recognition and power, and therefore, they did not challenge or expose the world's inherent sinfulness. The world has no reason to hate those who conform to its standards or do not threaten its self-perception.
Why does the world hate Jesus, specifically?
The world hates Jesus because He "testifies of it, that the works thereof are evil." Jesus, as the embodiment of divine truth and righteousness (John 14:6), inherently exposes the darkness, sin, and rebellion against God that characterize the fallen world. His presence, teachings, and miracles act as a divine spotlight, bringing conviction to those who prefer their evil deeds to the light (John 3:19-20). This exposure of sin, rather than leading to repentance, often provokes intense animosity and hostility from those who refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoing and submit to God's authority.
How does Jesus' testimony expose evil?
Jesus' testimony exposes evil not merely through verbal condemnation, but through His very being and actions. As the perfect Son of God, His sinless life, His teachings on righteousness and holiness, His unwavering obedience to the Father, and His acts of love and healing all stand in stark contrast to the world's corruption, selfishness, and rebellion. His light reveals the darkness of human hearts and systems. For example, when He challenged the religious leaders' hypocrisy (Matthew 23) or confronted the world's materialism, He was testifying against its evil works. His truth is inherently convicting, forcing individuals and societies to confront their moral state against the backdrop of divine perfection.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
John 7:7 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' ultimate mission and His redemptive work on the cross. The world's hatred, explicitly stated here as stemming from Jesus' testimony against its evil works, crescendoed in His crucifixion. This was the ultimate act of the world's rejection of God's truth, yet it was precisely through this act of hatred that God's plan for salvation was accomplished. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bore the full weight of that evil on the cross, becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). His death was the ultimate testimony against the world's evil, demonstrating the depth of its depravity and the cost of sin. Yet, His resurrection is the glorious triumph over that evil, proving that the world's hatred and its power could not ultimately defeat Him. Through His victory, Jesus offers liberation from the very "evil works" He testified against, inviting all who believe to be transformed and live no longer according to the world's ways but according to His truth (Romans 6:22). Thus, the world's hatred, though real and painful, was ultimately subsumed into God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity through the very One it rejected, making Him the Savior of the world.