John 7:1-59

Third Section: 7:1-8:59. The Strife at its Highest Stage of Intensity at Jerusalem.

Seven months had elapsed without any appearance of Jesus at Jerusalem. The exasperation of the rulers, whose murderous character John had recognized from the beginning (John 7:16; John 7:18), had for a moment become calm; but the fire was ever smouldering under the ashes. At the first appearance of Jesus in the capital, the flame could not fail to burst forth anew, and with a redoubled violence.

We may divide this section into three parts:

1. Before the feast: John 7:1-13.

2. During the feast: John 7:14-36.

3. End and results of the feast: John 7:37 to John 8:59.