“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.”
Then took they up stones to stone him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by — the authorities attempt to execute Jesus on the spot, taking up stones to stone him (as prescribed for blasphemy). Yet Jesus 'hid himself' (ekrybē) and 'went out of the temple... and so passed by.' The text does not say they did not see him; it suggests Jesus departed unharmed. Once again, 'his hour was not yet come' (8:20)—the protection is divine. Jesus's greatest claim (the I-am statement) triggers the greatest violence, yet he remains untouched. The chapter ends with Jesus's withdrawal, the revelation made, the judgment rendered (those who hear reject; those with faith accept), and the division complete.
Church Fathers on John 8:59
The carnal minds of the Jews are intent on the flesh only; they think only of His age in the flesh: Then said the Jews to Him, you are not fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? that is to say, Many ages have passed since Abraham died; and how then could he see your day? For they took His words in a carnal sense.
Christ was then thirty-three years old. Why then do they not say, You are not yet forty years old, instead of fifty? A needless question this: they simply spoke as chance led them at the time. Some however say that they mentioned the fiftieth year on account of its sacred character, as being the year of jubilee, in which they redeemed their captives, and gave up the possessions they had bought.
Abraham being a creature, He did not say before Abraham was, but, before Abraham was made. Nor does He say, I am made; because that, in the beginning WAS the Word.