Because they saw his miracles ... - They saw that he had the power to supply their wants, and they therefore followed him. See John 6:26. Compare also Matthew 14:14.

They saw his miracles which he did - John does not mention these miracles; but Matthew details them, Matthew 12:2-14:13. John seems more intent on supplying the deficiencies of the other evangelists than in writing a connected history himself.

And a great multitude followed him,.... From several cities and towns in Galilee, where he had been preaching and working miracles:

because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased; so that it was not for the sake of his doctrine, or for the good of their souls, they followed him; but either to gratify their curiosity in seeing his miracles, or to be healed in their bodies, as others had been.

Multitude (ὄχλος)

See on John 1:19.

Followed (ἠκολούθει)

Imperfect tense, denoting not merely the following on this occasion, but generally.

Saw (ἑώρων)

Rev., beheld. See on John 1:18.

His miracles

Omit his. Render, as Rev., the signs.

He did (ἐποίει)

Imperfect, was doing, from time to time.

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

6:2-13 And a great multitude followed him. The miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, which follows, is the only miracle of the Savior recorded by all the four Gospels. It is found in Mt 14:13-21 Mr 6:30-44 Lu 9:10-17 From a comparison of the accounts we learn that it took place after the death of John the Baptist, and hence as late as the third year of our Lord's ministry. We gain from John the information that it occurred near the passover, that is, in the early spring, about one year before the death of the Savior.

6:1-14 John relates the miracle of feeding the multitude, for its reference to the following discourse. Observe the effect this miracle had upon the people. Even the common Jews expected the Messiah to come into the world, and to be a great Prophet. The Pharisees despised them as not knowing the law; but they knew most of Him who is the end of the law. Yet men may acknowledge Christ as that Prophet, and still turn a deaf ear to him.