5 Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
He saith to Philip. What we here read as having been said to Philip alone, the other Evangelists tell us, was said to all. But there is no inconsistency in this; for it is probable that Philip spoke according to the opinion entertained by all, and, therefore, Christ replies to him in particular; just as John, immediately afterwards, introduces Andrew as speaking, where the other Evangelists attribute the discourse to all alike. Perceiving that they have no conception of an extraordinary remedy, he then arouses their minds, which may be said to be asleep, so that they may, at least, have their eyes open to behold what shall be immediately exhibited to them. The design of all that is alleged by the disciples is, to persuade Christ not to detain the people; and, perhaps, in this respect they consult their private advantage, that a part of the inconvenience may not fall upon themselves. Accordingly, Christ disregards their objections, and proceeds in his design.
Saw a great company - See this miracle explained at large on Matthew 14:13 (note), etc.; Mark 6:31 (note), etc.; Luke 9:10 (note), etc. In speaking of the passovers, and various other matters, it does not appear that John follows any strict chronological order. From John 6:15, it appears that our Lord had come down from the mountain, and fed the multitudes in a plain at the foot of it.
Saith unto Philip - This, with what follows, to the end of the seventh verse, is not mentioned by any of the other evangelists.
Philip was probably the provider for the disciples, as Judas was the treasurer.
Whence shall we buy bread - Instead of αγορασομεν, shall we buy, I should read αγορασωμεν, may we buy, which is the reading of ABDEHLS, Mt. VB, and many others. As Philip was of Bethsaida, John 1:44; John 12:21, he must have been much better acquainted with the country in which they then were than any other of the disciples.
(1) When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
(1) They that follow Christ sometimes hunger, but they are never without help.
When Jesus then lift up his eyes,.... Being before engaged in close conversation with his disciples, and looking wistly and intently on them, whilst he was discoursing with them:
and saw a great company come unto him; who came on foot, over the bridge at Chammath, from Capernaum, and other cities of Galilee:
he saith unto Philip; he directed his discourse to him particularly, because he was of Bethsaida, near to which place Christ now was, and therefore might be best able to answer the following question:
whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? This, according to the other evangelists, must be said after Christ came from the mountain, and the people were come to him, and he had received them kindly, and had instructed them about the kingdom of God, and had healed the diseased among them, and expressed great compassion for them; and after the disciples had desired him to dismiss them, that they might go to the adjacent towns, and provide food for themselves; which Christ would not admit of and declared it unnecessary, and then put this question, with the following view.
Jesus saith to Philip - Perhaps he had the care of providing victuals for the family of the apostles.
*More commentary available at chapter level.