Bible Commentary

John 7:1-53

The Pulpit Commentary on John 7:1-53

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

Ch. 7-10. contain the record of the conflict between faith and unbelief in the metropolis. At first the narrative indicates a vast amount of critical inquiry, of unsettled opinion, of angry disappointment and a certain readiness to be convinced on the part of one section or another. The secrecy of the Galilean village is contrasted with the broad arena of the temple courts. "The Jews," or leaders of opinion and authority in Judaea and Jerusalem, who were hostile, are seen in contrast with "the Jews who believed on him" (). There are multitudes and multitudes (, , ), priests and Pharisees (), the synagogue, and the blind beggar with his fearful and temporizing parents (.). There are those who are deeply plotting Christ's destruction, and those who are indignant that any suck plot is being hatched (). The discourses treat the deepest questions of ethics and theology, national prejudices and the Divine correction of them. The conversations are fragmentary, broken in thread, and yet closely interwoven, while a life like circumstantiality pervades the entire narrative, which argues strongly in favour of its historicity and authentic character. It is the record of definite acts and genuine questions, veritable rebukes and repartees, which have a permanent value as an insight into the character, mind, and Person of the Lord.

. consists of three distinct parts:

Verses 7:1-8:11

3. Christ as the Source of truth.

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