John Calvin Commentary John 7:35

"The Jews therefore said among themselves, Whither will this man go that we shall not find him? will he go unto the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?" — John 7:35 (ASV)

Where will he go? This was added by the Evangelist for the express purpose of showing how great the stupidity of the people was. Thus, not only are wicked men deaf to God’s instruction, but even dreadful threats are allowed by them to pass by in mockery, as if they were listening to a fable. Christ spoke expressly of the Father, but they remain fixed on the earth and think of nothing else than a departure to distant countries.

Will he go to the dispersion of the Greeks? It is well known that the Jews gave the name of Greeks to all nations beyond the sea; but they do not mean that Christ will go to the uncircumcised nations, but to the Jews who were dispersed throughout the various countries of the world.

For the word “dispersion” would not apply to those who are natives of the place and who inhabit their native soil, but applies well to the Jews, who were fugitives and exiles. Thus Peter inscribes his First Epistle παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς, to the strangers of the dispersion, that is, to the strangers who are scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1); and James greets the twelve tribes ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ, in the dispersion, that is, scattered abroad (James 1:1). The meaning of the words, therefore, is, “Will he cross the sea to go to Jews who dwell in a world unknown to us?” And it is possible that they intended to tease Christ with this mockery.

“If this is the Messiah, will he fix the seat of his reign in Greece, since God has assigned to him the land of Canaan as his own habitation?” But however that may be, we see that the severe threat which Christ had uttered did not affect them at all.