John Calvin Commentary John 5:6

"When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?" — John 5:6 (ASV)

Wilt thou be made whole? He does not inquire about it as if it were a doubtful matter, but partly in order to kindle in the man a desire for the favor which was offered to him, and partly to sharpen the attention of the witnesses who were present.

These witnesses, if they had been thinking of something else, might not have perceived the miracle, as frequently happens in sudden occurrences. For these two reasons, therefore, this preparation was necessary.