Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Their belief wasn't a deep, settled conviction, but a more superficial, opinion-based faith, sparked by the "signs" they witnessed. It was an initial, impulsive response to the spectacle of Jesus' power, rather than a profound inner commitment to Him.
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus ministered in Jerusalem during the Passover, his powerful signs drew a crowd, leading many to believe in him. However, this widespread initial belief was superficial and based solely on witnessing miracles, prompting Jesus to keep his distance from them. This sets the stage for his later conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who represents a more intellectual but still incomplete understanding of Jesus' mission.
Many people in Jerusalem saw Jesus' amazing deeds during the Passover. Their response? Belief! But what kind of belief was it?
Faith Based on Spectacle
This verse highlights a common human reaction: belief sparked by seeing impressive acts. When Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, crowds witnessed the 'signs' He performed.
While many believed, Jesus didn't place His trust in them. Why would the Savior reject genuine belief?
The Unseen Reality
Jesus, knowing the hearts of all people, understood the true nature of this widespread 'belief.' He didn't commit Himself to them because their faith was superficial.
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Understand the original words
pascha · Greek Noun
A religious festival commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt; in the New Testament, it serves as a backdrop for Jesus' ministry, foreshadowing His sacrifice as the true Passover Lamb.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
To place trust in, rely upon, or commit oneself to; in a biblical context, it involves saving faith, which is an active response to the truth of Jesus Christ and His message.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
Miraculous acts or occurrences that serve as tokens or proofs of divine authority; in the Gospel of John, they are intended to point toward Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
This event occurred during a major Jewish festival, the Passover, which brought large crowds to Jerusalem. The large number of people present created an opportunity for Jesus' ministry to gain attention, but the superficial nature of their belief, based solely on the 'signs' they witnessed, highlighted Jesus' discernment and the need for a deeper, spiritual faith.
c. 27 AD
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus drives out merchants and money changers from the Temple in Jerusalem, asserting His authority. This event causes a stir and prompts Jewish leaders to question His authority.
c. 27 AD— this verse
Jesus in Jerusalem at Passover
During the Passover festival in Jerusalem, Jesus performs numerous signs (miracles) that impress many onlookers.
c. 27 AD
Many Believe Based on Signs
Witnessing Jesus' miracles during Passover, a large number of people in Jerusalem come to believe in Him, though their faith is based on the signs they see.
c. 27 AD
Jesus' Distrust of the Crowd
Despite the crowds' belief, Jesus does not entrust Himself to them, understanding their superficial faith and their true intentions.
c. 27 AD
Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a Jewish ruler, secretly visits Jesus at night, impressed by His signs and acknowledging His divine authority.
c. 27 AD
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God, contrasting worldly expectations with divine reality.
This passage highlights a similar superficial faith, where people followed Jesus not because they understood His message but because they were fed by Him, mirroring the crowd in John 2:23 who believed based on signs.
Matthew 7:22-23Jesus Himself warns that not everyone who performs miracles or claims to follow Him will enter the kingdom, which resonates with the shallow belief of the Jerusalem crowd who believed due to signs but were not truly known by Jesus.
Acts 1:14In contrast to the crowd's fleeting belief, the disciples in Acts prayed together with one accord, showing a deeper, united faith that developed after Jesus's ascension, unlike the individualistic, sign-based belief seen in Jerusalem.
Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as the 'assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' providing a standard against which the faith of the Jerusalem crowd, based solely on visible signs, can be measured as insufficient.
John 3:2Nicodemus, representing the educated elite, acknowledges Jesus's signs and his miracles, stating 'no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him,' which parallels the sentiment of the crowd in John 2:23 who were convinced by Jesus's signs.
ellicottJohn 2:23: "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did."
(23) In the feast day. —Omit the word “day” after feast. The italics show that there is no word to express it in the Greek, and it gives the impression of one day, whereas the feast extended over a week. The idea of time, moreover, is not expressed by “in the feast.” The sentence means, When He was in the feast (engaged in keeping the feast) at Jerusal…
vincentJohn 2:23: "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did."
At the passoverNote the omission of of the Jews (John 2:13).In the feast-day (ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ)Rev., during the feast. The feast of unleavened bread, during the seven days succeeding the actual passover (see on Mark 14:1).Believed on (ἐπίστευσαν εἰς)The stronger expression of faith (John 1:12).His nameSee on John 1:12. With the phrase believe on Hi…
Their belief wasn't a deep, settled conviction, but a more superficial, opinion-based faith, sparked by the "signs" they witnessed. It was an initial, impulsive response to the spectacle of Jesus' power, rather than a profound inner commitment to Him.
As Jesus ministered in Jerusalem during the Passover, his powerful signs drew a crowd, leading many to believe in him. However, this widespread initial belief was superficial and based solely on witnessing miracles, prompting Jesus to keep his distance from them. This sets the stage for his later conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who represents a more intellectual but still incomplete understanding of Jesus' mission.
As Jesus ministered in Jerusalem during the Passover, his powerful signs drew a crowd, leading many to believe in him. However, this widespread initial belief was superficial and based solely on witnessing miracles, prompting Jesus to keep his distance from them. This sets the stage for his later conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who represents a more intellectual but still incomplete understanding of Jesus' mission.
"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing." — Their belief wasn't a deep, settled conviction, but a more superficial, opinion-based faith, sparked by the "signs" they witnessed. It was an initial, impulsive response to the spectacle of Jesus' po…
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Last reviewed October 2026