JOHN 7. THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. John 7:1. The Remonstrance of the Brethren. This incident is often now used to support the view that in the original draft of the gospel no visit to Jerusalem before this was recorded. Excision and rearrangement can, of course, accomplish anything, but a more natura... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SECRET VISIT. Soon, however, He receives the Divine intimation, for which He always waits (_cf. John 2:4_, John 11:6 f.) and goes up secretly. The Jews are discussing Him, and various opinions are expressed, but only in secret from fear of the leaders of the party, who are known to be hostile. W... [ Continue Reading ]
RESULTS IN JERUSALEM. The surprise of the Jews at His accusation of murder shows that they were ignorant of the plans of their leaders. Some of the Jerusalemites are better informed, and cannot understand the inaction of their rulers. Have they been convinced? But He does not fulfil the expected con... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LAST DAY OF THE FEAST. The Feast of Tabernacles, the feast of the ingathering at the end of summer, lasted seven days in early times (Deuteronomy 16:13). An eighth day was added later (Leviticus 23:36). The custom of bringing water from Siloah each day and only pouring it out before the altar, i... [ Continue Reading ]
PERICOPE ADULTERS. JOHN 7:53 TO JOHN 8:11. JESUS AND THE WOMAN ACCUSED OF SIN. The well-known story of the woman taken in adultery has no claim to be regarded as part of the original text of this gospel. It breaks the close connexion between John 7 and John 8:12 ff., and in style and vocabulary it... [ Continue Reading ]