John Calvin Commentary John 7:2

"Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand." — John 7:2 (ASV)

Now a feast of the Jews was at hand. Though I do not affirm it, it is probable that this happened during the second year after Christ’s baptism.

Concerning this feast, which the Evangelist mentions, it is not necessary at present to say much. For what purpose and use it was commanded, Moses shows (Leviticus 23:34). It was so that by this annual ceremony the Jews might recall that their fathers lived forty years in tabernacles, when they had no houses, and that they might thus celebrate the grace of God displayed in their deliverance.

We have previously said that there were two reasons why Christ came to Jerusalem during this feast. One reason was that, being subject to the Law in order to redeem us all from its bondage, he wished not to omit any part of its observance. The other reason was that, amidst a numerous and extraordinary gathering of people, he had a better opportunity to advance the Gospel.

But now the Evangelist relates that Christ kept himself in retirement in Galilee, as if he did not intend to come to Jerusalem.