John 2:23

At the passover. Note the omission of of the Jews (ver. 13).

In the feast - day [ε ν τ η ε ο ρ τ η]. Rev., during the feast. The feast of unleavened bread, during the seven days succeeding the actual passover (see on Mark 14:1).

Believed on [ε π ι σ τ ε υ σ α ν ε ι ς]. The stronger expression of faith (i. 12). His name. See on 1 12. With the phrase believe on His name, compare believe on Him (viii. 30), which is the stronger expression, indicating a casting of one's self upon Him; while to believe on the name is rather to believe in Him as being that which he claims to be, in this case the Messiah. It is believing recognition rather than appropriation. "Their faith in His name (as that of the Messiah) did not yet amount to any decision of their inner life for Jesus, but was only an opinion produced by the sight of His miracles, that He was the Messiah" (Meyer).

When they saw [θ ε ω ρ ο υ ν τ ε ς]. Rev., literally and rightly, beholding (see on 1 14, 29).

He did [ε π ο ι ε ι]. Better, was doing; the imperfect denoting the wonderful works as in progress.