PART IV. (A.)
Chapter S 7–12
I. THE GROWING CONFLICT BETWEEN THE FORCES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS RANGED ON THE SIDE OF AND AGAINST THE WORD
1. Christ’s manifesting Himself in His public ministry as the Truth, leads to opposition from the rulers of the people, who fear the usurpation of their authority.
(1) The unbelief of His brethren, showing that even in the circle of His earthly home the hatred of the world arises from opposition to the works of truth (John 7:1-9);
(2) at the feast of tabernacles He declares that His doctrine is from the Father, as He Himself is from the Father (John 7:10-29).
2. The growing enmity of the rulers.
(1) It shows itself in open attempts to lay violent hold of Him;
(2) this is abandoned for the time because of controversy among the Jews themselves (John 7:30-53).
3. Jesus proclaims Himself to be the giver of the Holy Ghost.
(1) The result is that many believe on Him among the people;
(2) whilst the Pharisees are inflamed with more undisguised hatred against Him (John 7:40-53).
Second Year of our Lord’s Ministry
Chaps. 7–12—Probable position in Synoptic narrative: follows Matthew 18:21-35; Mark 9:49-50; Luke 10:17 et seq.
Time.—Feast of tabernacles, Tisri (September–October), A.U.C. 782, A.D. 29.