71 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judaea, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the tabernacles, the feast of the Jews, was near. 3 His brethren therefore said to him, Remove hence and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see thy works which thou doest; 4 for no one does anything in secret and himself seeks to be [known] in public. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world: 5 for neither did his brethren believe on him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 7:1-5
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.