John 7 - Introduction

"Chapter 7, like chapter 6, is very important for the estimate of the fourth Gospel. In it the scene of the Messianic crisis shifts from Galilee to Jerusalem; and, as we should naturally expect, the crisis itself becomes hotter. The divisions, the doubts, the hopes, the jealousies, and the casuistry of the Jews are vividly portrayed. We see the mass of the populace, especially those who had come up from Galilee, swaying to and fro, hardly knowing which way to turn, inclined to believe, but held back by the more sophisticated citizens of the metropolis. These meanwhile apply the fragments of Rabbinical learning at their command in order to test the claims of the new prophet. In the background looms the dark shadow of the hierarchy itself, entrenched behind its prejudices and refusing to hear the cause that it has already prejudged. A single timid voice is raised against this injustice, but is at once fiercely silenced." S. p. 144.

As in Chapter s 5 and 6 Christ is set forth as the Source and Support of Life, so in Chapter s 7, 8, and 9. He is set forth as the Source of Truth and Light.

Chap. 7. Christ the Source of Truth and Light

Chapter 7 has three main divisions: 1. The controversy with His brethren(1 9); 2. His teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles(10 39); 3. The effect of His teaching; division both in the multitude and in the Sanhedrin (40 52).