John Calvin Commentary John 7:14

"But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught." — John 7:14 (ASV)

Jesus went up into the temple. We now see that Christ was not so afraid as to stop carrying out his office; for the reason for his delay was so that he might preach to a very large assembly. We may sometimes, therefore, expose ourselves to dangers, but we should never ignore or miss a single opportunity of doing good.

As to his teaching in the temple, he did so according to the ancient ordinance and custom; for while God commanded so many ceremonies, he did not want his people to be occupied with cold and useless displays. For their usefulness to be known, it was necessary for them to be accompanied by doctrine; and in this manner, external rites are vivid representations of spiritual things when they are shaped by the word of God.

But almost all the priests being at that time silent, and the pure doctrine being corrupted by the leaven and false teachings of the scribes, Christ took on the role of a teacher; and rightly so, because he was the great High Priest, as he affirms shortly afterward that he does nothing except by the Father's command.