Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 7:5

"For even his brethren did not believe on him." — John 7:5 (ASV)

Because the gathering in Jerusalem brought together pilgrims from every section of Palestine, Jesus’ brothers saw an excellent opportunity for him to acquire some publicity, especially since he seemed to have such miraculous powers. They advised him to join the crowds in Jerusalem so that he might enhance his reputation and gain more followers, though their suggestion may have been more sarcastic than serious, since they did not believe in him (v.5). In other words, they may have been suggesting he abandon the idealism of teaching multitudes in obscurity and of risking death.