Charles Ellicott Commentary John 7:31

"But of the multitude many believed on him; and they said, When the Christ shall come, will he do more signs than those which this man hath done?" — John 7:31 (ASV)

And many of the people believed on him.—This verse shows an advance in their faith. In John 7:12 we found “some” asserting that He is a good man. Now “many” accept Him as the Messiah, for this is the force of the words, “believed in Him.” (Compare to John 7:5, and Note there.)

When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?—They believe that the Christ has come, but express the common thought of Messianic miracles in a question which must have a negative answer. The Messiah who is expected is not expected to do greater miracles than these. The Messianic idea is therefore fulfilled, and He who has fulfilled it must be the very Christ.