It is not known who the many people are, since we are told nothing further about these believers. However, in 2.23 and 8.30 we are also told that many people believed in Jesus. It is interesting to note that the public ministry of Jesus is brought to a close at the Jordan River, the same geographical point where it began. No longer will the revelation of Jesus’ power to give life be confined to the use of symbols, such as bread, water, and light. In the scene to follow he will actually raise Lazarus from death and thereby affirm both in word and deed that he is the resurrection and the life (11.25). The remainder of the Gospel will show how the reality of this life is made available to his followers.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .