Charles Ellicott Commentary John 6:5

"Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" — John 6:5 (ASV)

The conversation with Philip is also unique to this Gospel. (Compare to John 14:8 and following) The impression of the immediate events leading up to the miracle is different from, but not opposed to, that of the other narratives. They all represent the request coming from the disciples as the first step. Saint John does not say this was not so. They represent what took place as seen from the outer circle; he, from the point of view of those near his Master.

We may think of the group of disciples seated around Him, and of the first-called Andrew and Peter, James and John, and Philip (compare to John 1:40 and following) as closer to Him than the others, who come and speak to Him about the multitudes. While the needs of all are present, the needs of the individuals are not absent. There is something in the character of Philip which this occasion may test. The question is addressed to him, which may yet have been an answer to their remark. For “saw a great company come,” read saw that a great multitude comes. It is the vivid present of the crowd coming. “From where shall we buy bread . . .?” or rather, From where are we to buy bread? according to the best manuscripts.