Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:9

"There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?" — John 6:9 (ASV)

In contrast to Philip’s pessimism, Andrew was more hopeful. He made the positive presentation of a boy’s lunch: five small, flat barley cakes, made of the cheapest grain available, and the two small fish. But Andrew doubted the value of his own suggestion.