John 6:6

6 He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

John 6:6 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:6

And this he said to prove him
Or "tempting him", trying his faith, and not only his, but the rest of the disciples; not as ignorant of it himself, but in order to discover it to him and them, and to prepare them for the following miracle; and that it might appear the more illustrious and marvellous:

for he himself knew what he would do;
Christ had determined to work a miracle, and feed the large number of people that were with him, with that small provision they had among them; and being God omniscient, he knew that he was able to do it, and that he was determined to do it, and it would be done; but he was willing first to try the faith of his apostles.

John 6:6 In-Context

4 It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.

5 When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?"

6 He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."

8 One of the disciples - it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter - said,