Christ Jesus' presence in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Booths, provided the scene for considerable controversy, as recorded in John (7:10 to 10:21). His popularity among many of the common people was offset by the suspicion and antagonism of many of the Judeans in authority. "There was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews" (7:12, 13)
About midway in the week of festivities, Jesus went to teach in the temple, perhaps for the first time, since we are not told that he taught there when he cast out the money changers (see 2:13-17).
His hearers' surprise at his knowing "letters, having never learned" (see 7:15) does not imply that Jesus could not read, for all Hebrew boys were taught at an early age to read the Scriptures, and a passage in Luke (4:16-20) clearly indicates that he could. The reference applies to more advanced learning, established tradition and interpretation. (The word here translated "letters" is the same Greek word translated "learning" in Acts 26:24.) It was his knowledge of the inner meaning of the Scriptures without having followed the established routine of learning that roused the curiosity, if not the admiration, of his hearers. His teaching, as he said, was not intended to glorify himself but God, the source of his doctrine.
