John 8:20

20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him, for his hour was not yet come.

John 8:20 Meaning and Commentary

John 8:20

These words spake Jesus in the treasury
The place where the thirteen chests stood, into which the people put their voluntary contributions for the sacrifices, and service of the temple: the Ethiopic version renders it, "at the alms chest"; (See Gill on Mark 12:41). The design of this observation of the evangelist, is to suggest to us, that it was in a very public place, in the temple, openiy, that Christ delivered the above words:

as he taught in the temple;
where the Jews resorted, where his ministry was public, and he spake freely, and without reserve; in a very bold manner, with intrepidity, and without fear of man:

and no man laid hands on him;
though they had sought to do it the day before; had sent officers to take him; and they themselves had a good will to it; and yet they were so awed and over ruled by one means, or one account or another, that no man did it; the reason was,

for his hour was not yet come;
the time appointed for his sufferings and death.

John 8:20 In-Context

18 I am one that testifieth concerning myself; and the Father that sent me, testifieth concerning me.

19 Then said they to him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also.

20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him, for his hour was not yet come.

21 Then said Jesus again to them, I am going away, and ye will seek me, and will die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

22 Then said the Jews, will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.