Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 2:23

"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did." — John 2:23 (ASV)

Jesus had already begun performing miraculous works. These signs attracted the attention of the crowd and brought many to a stage of belief parallel to that of the disciples (2:11). They reasoned that since Jesus possessed such power, he must have the favor of God (cf. 9:30–33). Jesus, however, was not satisfied with a superficial faith. He did not trust himself to those who had professed belief only on the basis of his miracles.