John Calvin Commentary John 7:27

"Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when the Christ cometh, no one knoweth whence he is." — John 7:27 (ASV)

But we know from where this man is. Here we see not only how great the blindness of men is when they ought to judge concerning the things of God, but also that this vice is almost natural to them: to be ingenious in contriving whatever may hinder them from arriving at the knowledge of the truth.

Indeed, it is frequently from the craft of Satan that offenses arise, which cause many to turn away from Christ; but even if the road were plain and smooth, every man would contrive an offense for himself. As long as the rulers were opposed to Christ, their unbelief by itself would have kept back this multitude; but when that obstacle has been removed, they contrive a new reason for themselves, so that they may not come to the faith.

And even though it would be proper for them to be influenced by the example of their rulers, they are so far from following what is right that they willingly stumble at the first step. Thus it frequently happens that men who had begun well quickly fall away, unless the Lord leads them to the very end of their course.

But when Christ shall come. The argument by which they obstruct their own progress is this: “The Prophets have testified that the origin of Christ will be unknown. Now we know from where this man is, and therefore we cannot consider him to be the Christ.” From this, we are reminded how pernicious it is to mangle the Scriptures, and even Christ himself, by admitting no more than half of him.

God promised that the Redeemer would be of the seed of David; but God frequently claims this office as uniquely his own. Therefore, he must have been God manifested in the flesh, so that he might be the Redeemer of his Church. Thus Micah points out the place where Christ would be born.

Out of you, Bethlehem, he says, a Prince shall come, to govern my people. But, immediately afterwards, he speaks of another going forth which is far loftier, and then he says that it is hidden and secret (Micah 5:2). Yet those wretched men, when they perceived in Christ nothing but what is liable to contempt, draw the absurd conclusion that he is not the person who had been promised.

Therefore, let us learn to look upon the humble condition of Christ in the flesh in such a manner that this state of humiliation, which is despised by wicked men, may raise us to his heavenly glory. Thus Bethlehem, where the man was to be born, will be to us a door by which we may enter into the presence of the eternal God.