Charles Ellicott Commentary John 7:9

"And having said these things unto them, he abode [still] in Galilee." — John 7:9 (ASV)

He remained in Galilee.—We find Him in Jerusalem between the 16th and 20th of Tishri (John 7:14), and He could not therefore have remained behind them more than three or four days. We have no record of any companion with Him until John 9:2; but it is probable that some at least of the Apostolic band remained with Him in Galilee and went with Him to Jerusalem. (Compare Note on Luke 9:51.) If John returned to Jerusalem after the discourse at Capernaum (compare Introduction), we have an explanation of the brevity with which he treats the period between Passover and Tabernacles.