John 7:3

οὖν. Because He had not attended the previous Passover.

οἱ�. See on John 2:12. The bluntness of this suggestion, given almost as a command, shews that they presumed upon their near relationship. It would be more natural in the mouths of men older than Christ, and therefore is in favour of their being sons of Joseph by a former marriage rather than sons of Joseph and Mary (comp. Mark 3:21; Mark 3:31). They shared the ordinary beliefs of the Jews about the Messiah, and therefore did not believe in their Brother. But His miracles perplexed them, and they wished the point brought to a decisive issue. There is no treachery in their suggestion; its object is not to put Him in the power of His enemies. Comp. John 2:3-4, where His Mother’s suggestion and His treatment of it are somewhat similar to what we have here.

οἱ μαθηταί σου. Any of them, whether pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Feast or living there. His brethren seem to imply that they themselves are not disciples. Θεωρήσουσιν, not merely ‘see,’ but ‘contemplate;’ see on John 6:40.