John Calvin Commentary John 10:22

"And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:" — John 10:22 (ASV)

And it was the feast of Dedication. The Greek word (ἐγκαίνια), which we have translated dedication, properly signifies renovations. This is because the temple, which had been polluted, was again consecrated by the command of Judas Maccabaeus. At that time, it was also enacted that the day of this new dedication or consecration should be celebrated every year as a festival, so that the people might remember the grace of God, which had put an end to the tyranny of Antiochus. Christ appeared in the temple at that time, according to custom, that his preaching might yield more abundant fruit amidst a large assembly of men.