John 6:4

In this verse the circumstance of the time of this miracle, which was but generally spoken of, verse 1. is now more expressely declared, that it was about the time of the Passeover. And so if that Feast, Chap. 5. 1. were the Passeover, this should be the third since his Baptisme, for the first is spoken of chap. 2.13. This circumstance is marked, not onely to confirme the truth of the History; or, to put us in minde that these anniversary feasts were peculiar to the Jewes; or, to shew how seasonably Christ did preach of eating the spiritual food of their souls, about that time the Passeover was to be eaten. But further, it would appeare that Christ went not up to this Feast, for it is here marked, that a little before that time, he is in the desart places of Galilee, and nothing is marked of his going up afterward to it, by the rest of the Evangelists. And John 7.1. seemes to point out his continued resolution, after this Sermon, to stay in Galilee; and John 7.3, 4. his brethren do chalenge him for lurking, and John 7.21. he seemes to point at that work at the poole of Bethesda, of which chap. 5. as the work which he had last done among them, and which stuck much in their minds at Jerusalem. As for the multitude that followed him, it is not needful to enquire whether they went up after this to the Feast, or not; But for his part, it teacheth, 1. Corrupt Church men are as dangerous, and as much to be avoided, as any persecutors: for, as he withdrew for a time from Herod, though he went afterward to Capernaum, verse 59. belike, because Herod was gone to the Feast, as he used sometime to do, Luke 23.7. or, because he would not alway lurk) so he kept himself without the reach of the Scribes and Pharisees. 2. It is no strange thing to see Christ and his servants secluded from the publike and solemne meetings of the Church, because of dangers and snares laid for them: And in such a case, it is their affliction, not their sinne, to stay away; for so much doth Christs practice and lot teach. Though it be remarkable how prudently he carrieth it, that he will not give offence, by staying in the Cities at such a time, but retireth himself till the importunity of the people bring him back again. 3. Christ would have his people expecting preservation, in the use of all ordinary lawful means; and for this end, he who could by his omnipotencie restrain the fury of men, doth sanctifie that way in his own practice, which his people are to walk in; for, he doth stay away, though he could have gone there, and have preserved himself even when he was among their hands.