The Unbelief of Jesus' Brethren

71 After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee , for He was unwilling e to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him. 2 Now the feast of the Jews , the Feast of Booths , was near . 3 Therefore His brothers said to Him, "Leave here and go into Judea , so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing . 4 "For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly . If You do these things , show Yourself to the world ." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. 6 So Jesus said to them, " My time is not yet here , but your time is always opportune . 7 " The world cannot e hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil . 8 "Go up to the feast yourselves ; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come ." 9 Having said these things to them, He stayed in Galilee .

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles

10 But when His brothers had gone up to the feast , then He Himself also went up, not publicly , but as if , in secret .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 7:1-10

Commentary on John 7:1-13

(Read John 7:1-13)

The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed about his doctrine and miracles, while those who favoured him, dared not openly to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be deceivers, speak out, while many who favour them, fear to get reproach by avowing regard for them.