John 7:12

12 There was a lot of contentious talk about him circulating through the crowds. Some were saying, "He's a good man." But others said, "Not so. He's selling snake oil."

John 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:12

And there was much murmuring among the people concerning
him
There was a general whisper, and a private controversy and contention among the people about him, upon inquiry being made after him:

for some said he is a good man;
a man of a good principle, of a good life and conversation; and who is good, kind, and beneficent, both to the bodies and souls of men; preaches good doctrine, and does many good things:

others said: nay,
or denied him to be a good man:

but he deceiveth the people;
drawing them off from the law of Moses, teaching them to break the sabbath, setting himself up for the Messiah, and asserting himself to be the son of God.

John 7:12 In-Context

10 But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself.

11 The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, "Where is that man?"

12 There was a lot of contentious talk about him circulating through the crowds. Some were saying, "He's a good man." But others said, "Not so. He's selling snake oil."

13 This kind of talk went on in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders.

14 With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching.