40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. (John 7:40-44 KJV)
Division Among the People
The result of Jesus’ discourse was division among the people (John 7:43). The gospel often causes division—not because it is harmful, but because it stirs opposition while gathering the faithful.
Some were well inclined toward him. Hearing his compassionate and authoritative invitation, they concluded, “This is the Prophet” (Deuteronomy 18:15), or even, “This is the Christ” (John 7:41). Yet a good opinion is far short of true faith; these people did not leave all to follow him.
Others opposed him, arguing that Christ could not come from Galilee, for Scripture said he would come from David’s line and from Bethlehem (Isaiah 11:1; Micah 5:2). This showed knowledge of some Scripture but ignorance of Christ’s true origin. They could have learned the facts by inquiry, but chose ignorance to support their prejudice.
Others were enraged and wanted to seize him (John 7:44). Though his words were gracious, they hated him for them. Yet no one laid hands on him, restrained by God because his hour had not yet come.