Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

CHAPTER SEVEN:
A SECRET FESTIVAL VISIT BECOMES PUBLIC

[“Come to me!”]
Key Word: Know

John 7:1-9 – “World Hates Me Because of My Testimony”

JN7:1 After these things Jesus was walking in [the land of] Galilee, because he did not want to keep walking about in [the land of] Judea, for the Jews were seeking to kill him. 394

394

For the Jews were seeking to kill him: John makes it clear that it is the Jews, not the Romans, who were the ones who started the movement to kill Jesus. Jesus avoids the land of Judea during the last few months of his earthly ministry. [John 5:18; 7:1, 19, 20, 25; 8:37, 40; 11:53; 12:10] Largely this was the Jewish religious hierarchy.

JN7:2 Now the Festival of Booths 395 was near.

395

Festival of Booths: Or, tabernacles, tents. Also known as the Festival of Ingathering. Compare Leviticus 23:34-43; Numbers 29:12-38; Deuteronomy 16:13-15; Nehemiah 8:14-16. The Jews built “booths” or “tents” out of palm branches. These were placed wherever there was space: atop homes, in gardens, beside the roads. The Day of Atonement had occurred [not mentioned here] a few days before, so Jerusalem was filled with hundreds of thousands of Jewish and non-Jewish visitors from all over the world. [1 Kings 6:37, 38; 1 Chronicles 24:1-18; 2 Chronicles 5:3; 7:7-10]

JN7:3 So, the brothers of [Jesus] approached him and said: “Leave here and go over into [the land of] Judea, so that your disciples will also behold the works you are doing. 396

396	So that your disciples will also behold the works you are doing: His brothers may mean those disciples in Judea. We hear a tone in their voice. They also seem to be attempting to give Messiah directions, similar to his mother at Cana.

JN7:4 Because no one does any thing in secret 397 and yet [at the same time] seeks to be well known.” 398 If you [really] do these things, make yourself known to the world of humankind! 399

397	No one does any thing in secret: Or, privately.

398	Seeks to be well known: Or, known to the public, known openly.

399	Make yourself known to the world of humankind: Or, MOF: since you can do these deeds, display yourself to the world. They may have another motivation: a certain fame for being the brothers of the miracle worker.

JN7:5 (Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him. 400)

400	Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him: Compare notes on John 2:12. [Matthew 13:55; Mark 3:21; Luke 8:20; Acts 1:19; 1 Corinthians 9:5; Galatians 1:19]

JN7:6 Therefore, Jesus told them: “My season has not yet arrived, 401 but your season may be at any time. 402

401	My season has not yet arrived: Or, appointed time, time. Christ’s “appointed time” is about six months away. Compare notes on John 2:4 and John 7:30.

402	Your season may be at any time: Or, KNX: your opportunity is always ready to hand; RIE: for you one day is as good as another; NOR: any time is suitable for you. It is possible Jesus alludes to that “time and chance” which may bring suffering and death at any moment. [Ecclesiastes 9:11]

JN7:7 The world of humankind never hates you, 403 but me it continues to hate because I testify that its works are wicked. 404

403	The world of humankind never hates you: Or, world. His brothers are really still part of the world because they have not taken up discipleship. [John 15:19; 17:14, 16]

404	Because I testify that its works are wicked: Or, evil. Those who are habitually wicked or evil are part of the world. Compare notes on John 3:19.

JN7:8 You go on to the festival. I am not leaving for the festival this moment, because my season is not ready to be fulfilled.” 405

405

My season is not ready to be fulfilled: Or, not fully come, not quite time. To go to Jerusalem with his brothers wanting him to manifest himself to the world would have been extremely dangerous. He also could not rely on his brothers not to expose him. Jesus is no doubt aware that his ministry is to be three and a half years from the time of his baptism and anointing. [Daniel 9:25-27] He has about six more months before his conflict with the Jewish hierarchy and Rome bursts forth, leading to his execution.

JN7:9 So, having said these things to them, he remained behind in [the land of] Galilee.

John 7:10-13 – Talk about Jesus at the Festival

JN7:10 Now when Jesus’ brothers had left for the festival, then he also went up – not conspicuously, but secretly. 406

406	Then he also went up – not conspicuously, but secretly: Or, KJV: not openly, but as it were in secret; GDS: as though he did not wish to be observed. How Jesus did this is unknown, but Isaiah 52:14 and Isaiah 53:2 may help us understand.

JN7:11 The Jews were seeking to kill him during the festival, and they were asking, “Where is that person?” JN7:12 The crowds were murmuring 407 a great deal about Jesus. Indeed, these people were saying, “He is a good person!” 408 Yet others said: “No, but he is deceiving the crowd!” 409

407	Murmuring: Or, whispers, disputing.

408	He is a good person: Or, good man. This is still the same judgment of many persons.

409	He is deceiving the crowd: Or, misleading.

JN7:13 Of course, no one spoke openly about Jesus out of fear of the Jews. 410

410	No one spoke openly about Jesus out of fear of the Jews: Or, in public. The entire crowd is largely Jewish, so John speaks mainly of the leadership among the Jews. [John 9:22; 12:42; 16:1; 19:38]

John 7:14-24 – “What I Teach Is Not My Own”

JN7:14 Now in the middle of the festival, Jesus went into the Temple area and continued to teach. JN7:15 Therefore, the Jews were wondering, and asked: “How does this person know [the] Writings since he has never learned [them]?” 411

411

How does this person know [the] Writings since he has never learned [them]: Or, letters; WEY: how can this uneducated fellow manage to read; NEB: this untrained man has such learning; NWT: have a knowledge of letter, when he has not studied at the schools. As far as the Jews know, Jesus has never attended a rabbinical school. [Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2; Luke 2:47; Acts 4:13]

JN7:16 So, Jesus answered them and said: “My teaching is not mine, but originates from the One who sent me. 412 If anyone wants to do His will, that person will realize whether this teaching originates from The God or I speak from my own originality. 413

412

My teaching is not mine, but originates from the One who sent me: Or, KJV: doctrine; it comes from. Jesus takes no credit for himself. He is not God who can originate such teachings or doctrine. What he knows he has learned from his Father. [John 3:24; 8:29; 12:49; 14:10] Compare notes on John 5:19ff.

413	This teaching originates from The God or I speak from my own originality: Or, KJV: whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Jesus is not God for if he were he could speak from his own originality.

JN7:17 The person who speaks from self is seeking personal glory. 414

414	The person who speaks from self is seeking personal glory: Or, MOF: aims at his own credit. [John 5:41; 8:50] A godly principle for all Christian teachers to remember.

JN7:18 But, the person seeking the glory of the One who sent him, this person is true and there is no injustice in him. 415

415	This person is true and there is no injustice in him: Or, sincere, tells the truth; no deception, no dishonesty, no falsehood. Jesus refers to himself. The crowds have accused him of misleading people.

JN7:19 Did not Moses give you [Jews] the Law? And yet none of you is actually doing the Law, 416 [otherwise] why do you seek to kill me?” 417

416	None of you is actually doing the Law: Or, obeys, keeps. A severe condemnation on the Jewish hierarchy. The next phrase qualifies what Jesus means. Paul makes the same charge against Judaism later. [Galatians 5:3; 6:13]

417	Why do you seek to kill me: See notes on John 7:1. Despite rigorous efforts to observe the Law, these self-righteous religious leaders seek to murder someone, just violating all of the Mosaic Law. Compare James 2:10. [Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6]

JN7:20 The crowd responded: “You have a demon! 418 Who is seeking to kill you?”

418	You have a demon: Or, demonized, possessed. [John 8:48; 10:20] This is dangerously close to “sinning against the Pneuma.” [Matthew 12:24, 31]

JN7:21 Jesus answered and said to them: “I did one work and all of you are amazed. 419

419	I did one work and all of you are amazed: Or, marvel, astounded. Jesus refers to the healing of the man at the pool of Bethzatha. [John 5:1-16]

JN7:22 For this reason Moses gave you [Jews] circumcision – though really [circumcision] did not originate from Moses, but from the forefathers – and so you [Jews] circumcise a man on the Sabbath. JN7:23 If the man receives circumcision so that the Law of Moses is not broken, are you sour with me because I made a person well 420 on [the] Sabbath?

420	Are you sour with me because I made a person well: Or, angry, bitter. The Greek is literally, “bitter as gall” or “full of bile.”

JN7:24 Do not judge by face-value, 421 but rather render judgment that is just.”

421	Do not judge by face-value: Or, appearances, superficially. The Greek is literally, “according to face.” Compare Messiah’s manner of judging. [Isaiah 11:3]

John 7:25-31 – The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus

JN7:25 As a result, some of the people of Jerusalem were asking: “Is this person not the one they are seeking to kill? JN7:26 And yet, look! He is speaking out in the open and nothing is being said to him! Do the [Jewish] rulers realize with a certainty that this is the Christ? JN7:27 However, we all know where this person is from. 422 But, whenever the Christ does arrive no one is to know from where he comes.” 423

422	We all know where this person is from: Compare Matthew 13:55.

423	No one is to know from where he comes: The Jews knew the Messiah was to come from Bethlehem. Compare notes on Matthew 2:5 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Micah 5:2] Some believed Messiah would remain invisible in heaven until his initial coming. [Compare NJB ftn.]

JN7:28 Therefore, while teaching in the Temple area, Jesus cried aloud, saying: “All of you have known me! 424 And you know where I am from! I have not come from myself! However, the One who sent me is real, 425 [and yet] you [Jews] have never known Him! 426

424	All of you have known me: Jesus was raised among them. [Mark 6:3]

425	The One who sent me is real: Or, true, trustworthy. See RHM ftn. Compare John 8:26.

426	You [Jews] have never known Him: Compare John 8:55. He likely means, “never had a real relationship with Him.” Compare this with John 4:22.

JN7:29 I know Him, because I am that person sent forth from His side!” 427

427

I am that person sent forth from His side: Or, KJV: I am from him; NJB: I have my being from him. The phrase is literally, “I existed beside Him,” or, “I am at His side.” The Greek is PAR [beside] AUTOU [him] EIMI [I am]. Compare notes on John 17:5. This is a possible allusion to his pre-existence with the Father.

JN7:30 As a result, [the Jews] were seeking to grab him, and yet no one was able to get hold of him because his hour had not yet arrived. JN7:31 However, many from the crowd believed in him 428 and were saying: “Whenever the Christ arrives, will he do more signs than this person did?” 429

428	Many from the crowd believed in him: Compare John 2:23; 8:30; 10:42; 11:45.

429	Will he do more signs than this person did: Compare John 11:47. [Micah 5:4]

John 7:32-36 – “Where I Go You Cannot Follow”

JN7:32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things about Jesus. So, the high priests 430 and the Pharisees 431 sent forth officers so that they might seize him.

430	High priests: Or, chief priests. The Greek is the root for the English “hierarchy.” It is the Jewish leadership most responsible for the execution of Jesus Christ.

431	Pharisees: It is interesting that John never mentions the Sadducees. Note Acts 4:1; 5:17.

JN7:33 Therefore, Jesus said: “I am with you [Jews] only a little longer, and then I withdraw from below to approach the One who sent me. 432

432	I withdraw from below to approach the One who sent me: Or, WMS: I am going back to Him who has sent me; WEY: then I go my way to Him who sent me. The Greek is HYPAGO [I am going under] PROS [toward] TON [the One]. It is likely an allusion to his pre-existence. Compare notes on John 17:5.

JN7:34 You [Jews] will seek me and will not find me. And where I am you will be unable to come.” 433

433	Where I am you will be unable to come: Compare John 8:22.

JN7:35 As a result, the Jews said among themselves: “Where is this person getting ready to go that we will not be able to find him? Is he about to go unto the Greek Diaspora and teach Greeks? 434

434

The Greek Diaspora and teach Greeks: Or, Gentiles, Hellenists; WMS: to our people scattered among the Greeks. It is likely they mean other Jews dispersed among the non-Jewish cultures. [Note 1 Peter 1:1] See also John 12:20. The word “Greek” came to include Romans and other non-Jews, cultures highly influenced by Greece.

JN7:36 What is the meaning of this statement he uttered: ‘You [Jews] will seek me and not be able to find me, and where I am you will not be able to come’?”

John 7:37-44 – “Come to Me for Living Water”

JN7:37 Now on the last day, the greatest day of the Festival, 435 Jesus rose and cried out, 436 saying: “Let anyone thirsting come to me and drink!

435

The greatest day of the Festival: During the festival in Jesus’ day water was brought from the pool of Siloam to cleanse the Temple altar with the water and wine. This occurred precisely at the moment of loud blaring of the trumpets, followed by the singing of Psalms 113-118. The whole affair was associated with the miraculous water from the wilderness rock. [Exodus 17:1-7] Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 10:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

436	Jesus rose and cried out: Jesus was in the Temple area and raised his voice likely at that moment when the priest was pouring the water on the altar and the trumpets sounded. We hear his voice rising above the din.

JN7:38 The person who continues to believe in me, just as the writings said: ‘From his inner being rivers of living water will flow!’^” 437 [Exodus 17:1ff]

437	From his inner being rivers of living water will flow: Likely this is a paraphrase of Jewish thoughts about Exodus 17:1-7 and Zechariah 14:8.

JN7:39 (However, Jesus said this about the Pneuma 438 which those who believed in him were about to receive. For at that moment there was no Pneuma 439 because Jesus was not yet glorified.)

438	Jesus said this about the Pneuma: Or, Spirit. On the subject of the Holy Pneuma see notes on 1 Corinthians 2:16 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. John clarifies the Nazarene’s words and possibly alludes to Isaiah 44:3. [Compare Isaiah 30:1; 32:15]

439

There was no Pneuma: Or, Spirit. That is, upon the disciples. “That is as an imparted gift.” [RHM ftn] In fulfillment of Joel 2:28 which would take place at Pentecost when the Pneuma was first poured out on the twelve apostles [Acts 2:17] in fulfillment of his promise. [John 16:7] Notice the foretaste of this after Jesus’ glorification. [John 20:22]

JN7:40 Therefore, having heard these words, some from the crowd, said: “Surely, this person is the Prophet!” 440 [Deuteronomy 18:18]

440	The Prophet: A reference to Deuteronomy 18:18 and the greater prophet Moses foretold.

JN7:41 Others were saying: “This person is the Christ!” 441 [Daniel 9:25] But, some were asking: “Is the Christ to come out of Galilee? 442

441	The Christ: Or, Messiah. A reference to Daniel 9:25, but also compare Psalm 2:1 and Isaiah 61:1.

442	Is the Christ to come out of Galilee: They were blinded to Isaiah 9:1. [See notes on Matthew 4:14, 15 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

JN7:42 Does the Scripture not say the Christ is from David’s seed 443 [Psalm 89:3, 4] and is coming from the village of Bethlehem?” 444 [Micah 5:2]

443	Christ is from David’s seed: They allude to Psalm 89:3, 4 and other possibilities.

444	Coming from the village of Bethlehem: The crowds are familiar with Micah 5:2. Compare notes on Matthew 2:5. [Luke 2:4; 1 Samuel 16:1]

JN7:43 Therefore, a schism occurred in the crowd because of Jesus. JN7:44 But, others from among them wanted to get hold of him, yet no one raised a hand against him.

John 7:45-52 – “Never Has Another Spoken Like This”

JN7:45 As a result, the officers approached the high priests and Pharisees, and these asked [the officers]: “Why have you not brought him [with you]?” JN7:46 The officers answered: “Never has a person spoken like this!” 445

445	Never has a person spoken like this: Or, BER: no man ever spoke as this man speaks. [Matthew 7:29; Luke 4:22]

JN7:47 Therefore, the Pharisees responded to them: “Have you also been misled? JN7:48 Has a single one from the [Jewish] rulers believed in him? 446

446	Has a single one from the [Jewish] rulers believed in him: The tyranny of authority! The answer is, Yes and one of them now speaks up. Note what happens later. [John 12:42; Acts 6:7]

JN7:49 But, this crowd, ignorant of the Law, is accursed!” 447

447	This crowd, ignorant of the Law, is accursed: The general attitude of the Jewish hierarchy toward those it was suppose to shepherd. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus epitomizes the difference between the amharets and the money-loving Jewish leadership. [Luke 16:14, 15, 19-31]

JN7:50 Now, from among them Nicodemas 448 – the person who had approached Jesus previously – said:

448	Nicodemas: Compare John 3:1, 4, 9; 19:39.

JN7:51 “Does our law condemn a person unless it first hears him 449 and becomes aware of what he is [supposed] to have done?”

449	Does our law condemn a person unless it first hears him: Compare Deuteronomy 1:16; 17:8. [Proverbs 18:13]

JN7:52 They answered and said to him: “Are you also from out of the land of Galilee? 450 Search and see that no prophet is to be raised up from Galilee!” 451 [[

450	Are you also from out of the land of Galilee: A suggestion that Nicodemas has become a believer. The bulk of the Nazarene’s disciples came from Galilee. Note Acts 2:7.

451	No prophet is to be raised up from Galilee: They are ignorant of Isaiah 9:1. [Matthew 4:14, 15]

JN7:53]]

Review Questions on Chapter Seven