John 12:17

17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts.

John 12:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:17

The people therefore that was with him
The Jews, that came from Jerusalem to Bethany, to comfort the two sisters of Lazarus upon his death, who believed in Christ; and others of the town of Bethany, who with them were along with Christ:

when he called Lazarus out of his grave;
saying, Lazarus, come forth:

and raised him from the dead;
to life:

bare record:
to the Jews at Jerusalem, and to the people that came out of the several countries, of the truth of that fact; declaring, that they were eye and ear witnesses of the whole, and that it was a truth that might be depended on.

John 12:17 In-Context

15 No fear, Daughter Zion: See how your king comes, riding a donkey's colt.
16 The disciples didn't notice the fulfillment of many Scriptures at the time, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that what was written about him matched what was done to him.
17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts.
18 It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade.
19 The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: "It's out of control. The world's in a stampede after him." A Grain of Wheat Must Die
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.