Charles Ellicott Commentary John 5:15

"The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole." — John 5:15 (ASV)

The man departed, and told the Jews.—We are not told what reason lay behind his report to the Jews. It is natural that he would give the answer he could not provide before (John 5:13). It is also natural that he would wish to protect himself from the accusation of Sabbath-breaking by identifying his authority. The narrative does not suggest that he did this in a tone of defiance (an interpretation some have drawn, recalling John 9:0). Much less does it suggest that he used his new strength immediately to bring an accusation against the One who healed him. Rather, the impression is that he felt this power came from a prophet sent by God. He told this to those who were God’s representatives to the nation, expecting that they too would recognize Him.