Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 7:14

"But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught." — John 7:14 (ASV)

Jesus remained in seclusion until the feast was half completed and then appeared in the temple court to teach. His absence during the first half of the week had aroused the curiosity of the pilgrims who had expected that he would come in order to take advantage of the eager crowds . But Jesus had passed the apex of his popular ministry, and many of his disciples had turned from him (6:66–67).