Albert Barnes Commentary John 10:24

"The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly." — John 10:24 (ASV)

Tell us plainly. The Messiah was predicted as a shepherd. Jesus had applied that prediction to himself. They supposed that that was evidence that he claimed to be the Messiah. He also performed miracles, which they considered as evidence that he was the Christ (John 7:31).

Yet the rulers raised a difficulty. They alleged that he was from Galilee, and that the Messiah could not come from there (John 7:52). He was poor and despised. He came contrary to the common expectation; a splendid prince and conqueror had been expected. In this perplexity, they came to him for a plain and positive declaration that he was the Messiah.