John 6:6

6 He said this to put Philip to the test, for He Himself 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 The Jewish Festival, the Passover, was at hand.

5 And when He looked round and saw an immense crowd coming towards Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?"

6 He said this to put Philip to the test, for He Himself knew what He was going to do.

7 "Seven pounds' worth of bread," replied Philip, "is not enough for them all to get even a scanty meal."

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,