Jesus Teaches at the Feast

1After this Jesus resided in Galilee: for he would not be in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him, now the 2Jews feast of the tabernacles drawing nigh, 3his relations said to him, retire hence, and go into Judea, that your disciples there may also see the works that you do. 4for no body acts in private, that designs to distinguish himself: since you do such things, shew yourself to the world. 5for even his brethren did not believe in him. 6but Jesus said to them, my time is not yet come: but any time is equally proper for you. 7the world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I plainly show, that their works are evil. 8do you go up to this feast, as for me I do not go with you to it, because my time is not yet accomplished. 9thus he delivered his mind, and stay'd himself in Galilee.

10but when his brethren were gone, he went likewise to the feast, not openly, but in secret. 11during the feast the Jews were in search of him, and said, where can he be? 12and the people were much divided about him: for some said, he is a good man: others said, not at all; but he seduces the people. 13However, no body talk'd openly in favour of him, for fear of the Jews.

14but about the middle of the feast, Jesus went publickly into the temple, and taught. 15at which the Jews were surprized, saying, how came be acquainted with the scriptures, a man of no education? 16Jesus answered them, the doctrine I deliver is not my own, but his that sent me. 17if any man is inclin'd to do his will, he shall know whether the doctrine be from God, or whether I speak from my self. 18he that speaks from himself, has a view to his own glory: but he that has a view to his glory that sent him, deserves credit, and is a stranger to all imposture.

19was it not Moses who gave you the law, and yet none of you observe that law? 20for what do ye attempt to kill me? the people answered, saying, you are mad: who attempts to kill you? 21Jesus answered them, I perform'd one single miracle on the sabbath, and does that alarm you? 22Moses enjoin'd you circumcision (or rather not Moses, but the patriarchs) accordingly you circumcise a man on the sabbath-day. 23if to avoid the violation of the Mosaic law, a man be exposed to circumcision on the sabbath-day, are ye angry at me, because I cured a man, whose whole body was indisposed on the sabbath-day? 24judge not according to appearances, but judge according to equity.

Is Jesus the Christ?

25Then some that belong'd to Jerusalem, said, is not this he whom they seek to kill? 26yet there he is talking publickly without any opposition: are not the rulers convinc'd that he is the Messiah? 27however, we know from what quarter this man comes: but when Christ comes it will be unknown whence he came. 28Jesus then pursuing his discourse in the temple, rais'd his voice, and said, you know both who I am, and whence I am: however, I am not come of my self, but he that sent me is worthy of belief, him you are unacquainted with. 29but I know him, for I am from him, and he hath sent me. 30then they design'd to seize him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 31besides many of the people believed on him, and said, when Christ comes, will he do more miracles than this man hath done?

32(the Pharisees being inform'd what the people rumour'd concerning him, they and the chief priests sent their officers to seize him.) 33then said Jesus, I shall be with you but for a little time, and then I shall go to him that sent me. 34ye shall seek me, but shall not find me: and where I shall go, thither ye cannot come. 35upon which the Jews said among themselves, whither will he go, that we cannot find him? will he go to the dispersed Jews among the Greeks, and instruct the Greeks? 36what does he mean by saying, "ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I go, thither ye cannot come?"

Living Water

37In the last day, the most solemn day of the feast, Jesus being there, raised his voice, and said, if any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. 38he that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. 39(but this he meant of the spirit, which they that believed on him, should receive: for the spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Division over Jesus

40many of the people therefore, who heard this discourse, said, this man is certainly a prophet. 41some said, this is the Messias, but said others, shall the Messias come out of Galilee? 42hath not the scripture said, that the Messiah is to rise out of the family of David, and out of Bethlehem, the village where David was born? 43so that the people were divided in their opinions about him. 44and some of them had a mind to seize him; but nobody laid hands on him.

The Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders

45when the officers return'd to the chief priests and Pharisees, they asked them, why have ye not brought him? 46the officers answered, never did man speak like this man. 47upon which the Pharisees answered, are ye also seduced? 48have any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49but the populace, who are ignorant of the law, are such wretches. 50thereupon Nicodemus, he that came to Jesus by night, and was then present, 51said to them, said to them, doth our law condemn any man before he is heard, without knowing the fact? 52they answered him, are you also of Galilee? search the scriptures, and you will not find that a prophet did ever arise out of Galilee. 53and every man went to his own house.