John Calvin Commentary John 7:3

"His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may behold thy works which thou doest." — John 7:3 (ASV)

His brethren therefore said to him. Under the word brethren the Hebrews include all cousins and other relations, whatever may be the degree of affinity. He says that they mocked Christ, because he avoided being seen or known, and concealed himself in a humble and despised district of Judea.

There is reason to doubt, however, if they were motivated by ambition to desire that Christ should gain recognition. But assuming this, it is still evident that they ridicule him, because they do not think that his conduct is rational and judicious. They even accuse him of folly, because, while he wants to be important, he lacks confidence in himself and does not dare to appear openly before men.

When they say, that thy disciples also may see, they mean not only his household members, but all those whom he wished to gain from the whole nation; for they add, “You wish to be known by all, and yet you conceal yourself.”