11 At the feast the Jews were looking for him and saying, Where is he? 12 And there was much discussion about him among the mass of the people. Some said, He is a good man; but others said, No, he is giving people false ideas. 13 But no man said anything about him openly for fear of the Jews.
14 Now in the middle of the feast Jesus went up to the Temple and was teaching. 15 Then the Jews were surprised and said, How has this man got knowledge of books? He has never been to school. 16 Jesus gave them this answer: It is not my teaching, but his who sent me. 17 If any man is ready to do God's pleasure he will have knowledge of the teaching and of where it comes from—from God or from myself.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 7:11-17
Commentary on John 7:1-13
(Read John 7:1-13)
The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men sometimes undertake to counsel those employed in the work of God; but they only advise what appears likely to promote present advantages. The people differed about his doctrine and miracles, while those who favoured him, dared not openly to avow their sentiments. Those who count the preachers of the gospel to be deceivers, speak out, while many who favour them, fear to get reproach by avowing regard for them.
Commentary on John 7:14-24
(Read John 7:14-24)
Every faithful minister may humbly adopt Christ's words. His doctrine is not his own finding out, but is from God's word, through the teaching of his Spirit. And amidst the disputes which disturb the world, if any man, of any nation, seeks to do the will of God, he shall know whether the doctrine is of God, or whether men speak of themselves. Only those who hate the truth shall be given up to errors which will be fatal. Surely it was as agreeable to the design of the sabbath to restore health to the afflicted, as to administer an outward rite. Jesus told them to decide on his conduct according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge concerning any by their outward appearance, but by their worth, and by the gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them.