Matthew Poole and continuators on John 7:20

20 The people answered and said , Thou hast a devil : who goeth about to kill thee .

The Iews had an Opinion, that whosoever was besides himself, and talked distractedly, was influenced with an Evil Spirit: So as, Thou hast a Devil, is no more than thou art Mad; unless we will take the Phrase as a mere term of Reproach, such as we ordinarily hear at this day from some men in their Passions, when they hear any speak what is false, and hath no congruity with truth, according to their apprehensions, [illegible: 1 letter]aying, The Devil is in you; the former is the milder Interpretation, tho in that was sin enough, considering who it is that spake.

It is very probable that the common People (to whom our Saviour was now speaking) knew nothing of the design of their Rulers, mentioned Chap. 5.18. so spake this innocently (tho in their Passion) having no such design in their Hearts; but they ought not so peremptorily to have denied what our Saviour positively affirmed, who knew the Designs and Counsels of all mens Hearts, tho they knew them not.

Marginal references: Chap. 8.48, 52. and 10.20.