Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 7:21

"Jesus answered and said unto them, I did one work, and ye all marvel because thereof." — John 7:21 (ASV)

Jesus is not saying that he did only “one miracle,” for he had performed several by this time; but these were of little interest to the “Jews.” The reference to circumcision on the Sabbath shows that the issue of healing on the Sabbath (vv.23–24) was central to Jesus’ controversy with the Jewish rulers. Thus, the “one miracle” refers to the healing of the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda (5:1–18).