John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. After this there was a feast of the Jews , etc.] After Christ had been in Samaria, which was four months ago, ( John 4:35), and had been in Galilee for that time, and had cured the noblemans son, and had done other mighty works, the time came on for one of the three festivals of the Jews; either the feast of Pentecost, as some think; or as others, the feast of tabernacles; or rather, the feast of the passover, so called, in ( John 4:45) since John is very particular, in giving an account of the several passovers, in Christs ministry: and Jesus went up to Jerusalem ; according to the law of God, which obliged all the males to appear there at that time; and to show his compliance with it, and obedience to it, whom it became to fulfil all righteousness; and this he did also, that he might have an opportunity of discoursing, and doing his miracles before all the people, which came at this time, from the several parts of the land.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - We are all by nature impotent folk in spiritual things, blind, halt and withered; but full provision is made for our cure, if we attend to it. An angel went down, and troubled the water; and what disease soeve it was, this water cured it, but only he that first stepped in ha benefit. This teaches us to be careful, that we let not a season sli which may never return. The man had lost the use of his limb thirty-eight years. Shall we, who perhaps for many years have scarcel known what it has been to be a day sick, complain of one wearisom night, when many others, better than we, have scarcely known what it has been to be a day well? Christ singled this one out from the rest Those long in affliction, may comfort themselves that God keeps accoun how long. Observe, this man speaks of the unkindness of those abou him, without any peevish reflections. As we should be thankful, so we should be patient. Our Lord Jesus cures him, though he neither aske nor thought of it. Arise, and walk. God's command, Turn and live; Make ye a new heart; no more supposes power in us without the grace of God his distinguishing grace, than this command supposed such power in the impotent man: it was by the power of Christ, and he must have all the glory. What a joyful surprise to the poor cripple, to find himself of sudden so easy, so strong, so able to help himself! The proof of spiritual cure, is our rising and walking. Has Christ healed ou spiritual diseases, let us go wherever he sends us, and take u whatever he lays upon us; and walk before him.
Greek Textus Receptus
μετα 3326 PREP ταυτα 5023 D-APN ην 2258 5713 V-IXI-3S εορτη 1859 N-NSF των 3588 T-GPM ιουδαιων 2453 A-GPM και 2532 CONJ ανεβη 305 5627 V-2AAI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM ιησους 2424 N-NSM εις 1519 PREP ιεροσολυμα 2414 N-ASF
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. A feast (eorth). Or festival. What festival is uncertain. It has been identified with the Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles; also with the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Dedication, and the Feast of Purim.