John 7:12-13

Jesus was a controversial subject of conversation at the feast. He provoked considerable "grumbling" (Gr. goggusmos, cf. John 6:41; John 6:61). Many of the common people from Judea and pilgrims from elsewhere debated His ministry in private, however, suspecting that their leaders opposed Him. According to the Talmud, deceiving the people was a crime punishable by stoning. [Note: Blum, p. 299.] "The Jews" here clearly refers to Israel’s leaders.

This pericope provides background for Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem that follows. It helps the reader sense the atmosphere of public opinion in which Jesus then worked.