The indefinite connecting phrase some time after this (v. 1; cf. 5:1) introduces a narrative that abruptly locates Jesus in Galilee, crossing from one side of Lake Galilee to the other.

Such a beginning suggests that the Gospel writer is picking up a narrative source in the middle of things. The only real link to the two preceding incidents in John is the mention in verse 2 of the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick (cf. 4:43–54; 5:1–18). There is no way to be sure how much time has elapsed since the miracle and controversy of the previous chapter. If the “feast of the Jews” of 5:1 was the Passover, then at least a year has gone by, for it is again the Passover season (v. 4). The author’s interest at this point is not in chronology but in providing a sample glimpse of Jesus’ Gal…