Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 5:9

"And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day." — John 5:9 (ASV)

The outcome of the miracle was twofold: the paralytic was healed and a controversy broke out. Since the healing took place on the Sabbath, it brought Jesus directly into conflict with the religious authorities, whose traditions regarding the Sabbath were more rigid than the Law itself. Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath was one factor that brought him into disfavor with the religious leaders in Jerusalem (Mark 2:3–23:6; 13:10–16; 14:1–6).