John Calvin Commentary John 11:45

"Many therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and beheld that which he did, believed on him." — John 11:45 (ASV)

Many therefore of the Jews believed on him. Christ did not permit the miracle which he had performed to be without fruit, for through it he drew some people to the faith. For we should understand that miracles have a twofold use. They are intended either to prepare us for faith or to confirm us in faith. The Evangelist here refers to the former; for he means that those about whom he speaks regarded Christ with admiration and reverence, so as to submit to be his disciples; otherwise, the miracle alone could not have been sufficient to produce faith. Accordingly, by the word believe, we must not suppose that anything else is meant than a willingness to embrace the doctrine of Christ.