John 12:20-22 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 12:20-26

Honour is here paid to Christ by certain Greeks that enquired or him with respect. We are not told what day of Christ's last week this was, probably not the same day he rode into Jerusalem (for that day was taken up in public work), but a day or two after. I. We are told who they were that paid this honour to our Lord Jesus: Certain Greeks among the people who came up to worship at the feast, John 12:20. Some think they were Jews of the dispersion, some of the twelve tribes that were scattered... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 12:20-22

12:20-22 There were some Greeks among those whose practice it was to come up to the feast. Now these came to Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and made a request to him. "Sir," they said, "we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. None of the other gospels tells of this incident, but it is very fitting to find it in the Fourth. The Fourth Gospel was the one written to present the truth of Christianity in a way that the Greeks... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:20

And there were certain Greeks ,.... "Hellenes", so called, from Hellen, a king of that name, as Pliny says F18 Nat. His. l. 4. c. 7. These were not Graecizing Jews, or Jews that dwelt in Greece, and spoke the Greek language; for they were called not Hellenes, but Hellenists; but these were, as the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions render it, Gentiles; and were either mere Gentiles, and yet devout and religious men, who were allowed to offer sacrifice, and to worship, in the court of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:21

The same came therefore to Philip ,.... Who might know him; they might have been some of his neighbours formerly, for that Philip's parents, though Jews, dwelt among Greeks, seems probable, from the name given to him, which is a Greek one; some have thought, that these Greeks were Syrophoenicians, who dwelt upon the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and were not far off from Galilee, and from Bethsaida, the native place of Philip, and is therefore mentioned as follows: which was of Bethsaida of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:22

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew ,.... The request the Greeks made to him, and this he did, that he might have his advice in this matter; and that not only because he might be a senior man as well as apostle, but because he was of the same town, and might know these men as well as Philip: and again, Andrew and Philip told Jesus ; after they had consulted together, whether it was proper or not, to move this thing to their master; since he had forbid them going in the way of the Gentiles,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:20

Certain Greeks - There are three opinions concerning these: That they were proselytes of the gate or covenant, who came up to worship the true God at this feast. That they were real Jews, who lived in Grecian provinces, and spoke the Greek language. 3. That they were mere Gentiles, who never knew the true God: and hearing of the fame of the temple, or the miracles of our Lord, came to offer sacrifices to Jehovah, and to worship him according to the manner of the people of that land.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:21

The same came therefore to Philip - Some suppose that these Gentiles were of Phoenicia or Syria, or perhaps inhabitants of Decapolis, near to the lake of Gennesareth and Bethsaida; and therefore they addressed themselves to Philip, who was of the latter city, and probably known to them. The later Syriac calls them Arameans or Syrians. The Vulgate, and several copies of the Itala, call them Gentiles. Sir, we would see Jesus - We have heard much concerning him, and we wish to see the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:22

Andrew and Philip tell Jesus - How pleasing to God is this union, when the ministers of his Gospel agree and unite together to bring souls to Christ. But where self-love prevails, and the honor that comes from God is not sought, this union never exists. Bigotry often ruins every generous sentiment among the different denominations of the people of God. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:20

Verse 20 20.Now there were some Greeks. I do not think that they were Gentiles or uncircumcised, because immediately afterwards it follows that they came to worship. Now it was strictly prohibited by the Roman laws, and severely punished by the Proconsuls and other magistrates, if any person was discovered to have left the worship of his native country and passed over to, the Jewish religion. But Jews, who were scattered throughout Asia and Greece, were allowed to cross the sea for the purpose... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:21

Verse 21 21.These men therefore went to Philip. It is an indication of reverence, that they do not address Christ, but are desirous to obtain access through Philip; for reverence always begets modesty. The inference which the Papists draw from this, that we ought to call on departed saints, (19) that they may be our advocates with Christ and with the Father, is so ridiculous that it does not need refutation. The Greeks address Philip, while he is present; and, pray, where is the resemblance to... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 12:20-26

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 12:20-22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:22

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:20

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:21

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