John 12:4

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 12:4

(4) Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot.—Comp. Notes on John 6:70-71. St. Matthew tells us that the question was asked by “the disciples;” St. Mark, that it was asked by “certain persons;” St. John remembers that it was Judas who spoke, and he remembers that his words were characteristic of the man (John 12:6). He implies by the form in which he relates these words, that he spoke for himself, and that the others did not join in his feeling. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - John 12:1-50

Mixed Motives John 12:9 These words may be read with marked and suggestive differences of emphasis. 'Not for Jesus' sake only 'would seem to be the natural emphasis; 'Not for Jesus' sake only ' would seem to convey another suggestion and meaning. I. Take the words thus: 'Not for Jesus' sake only,' though that might be the principal reason, but also for another reason, namely, that they might see the man whom Jesus Christ had raised from the dead. They did not want to exclude Jesus, but they... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - John 12:1-11

I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS."Jesus therefore six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with Him. Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, which should... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - John 12:1-50

CHAPTER 12 1. The Feast at Bethany. (John 12:1-8 .) 2. The Entrance into Jerusalem. (John 12:9-19 .) 3. The Inquiring Greeks and His Answer. (John 12:20-33 .) 4. His Final Words. (John 12:34-50 .) From the close of the previous chapter we learn that the Lord had gone with His disciples to a city called Ephraim. Six days before the Passover He came to Bethany again. They made Him a feast. Lazarus is especially mentioned as well as Martha, who served; Mary also was present with others who were... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:1-50

A SUPPER FOR HIM AT BETHANY (vs.1-8) Six days before the Passover He returned to the area of Jerusalem, coming by way of Jericho, as Luke shows us (Luke 19:1-28). These days He spent in ministering mainly in the temple (Luke 21:37); yet the enmity of the Jews could do nothing until God's appointed Passover Day. At Bethany a supper is made for Him (in the house of Simon the leper -- Matthew 26:6), for there has been much affection awakened toward Him in this village. We may be sure He valued... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - John 12:1-50

APPROACH THE HOLY OF HOLIES A footnote of the Scofield Bible which suggests the title of this lesson is well worth quoting: Chapters 12-17 are a progression according to the order of approach to God in the Tabernacle types. Chapter 12 in which Christ speaks of His death answers to the brazen altar of burnt offering, type of the cross. Passing from the altar toward the holy of holies, the laver is next reached answering to chapter 13. With his associate priests now purified, the High Priest... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - John 12:1-50

Walking In the Light Joh 12:35 According to the Revised Version the text reads, "Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not." This word "while" is full of significance and energy. Christ used it more than once. It indicates opportunity, chance, occasion. It is as if one should say, Now is the time: be no longer languid, reluctant, dull of heart; now, behold, this is the day: arise, know the light, and receive it with thankfulness. Jesus Christ himself said, "I must work... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - John 12:1-11

Then Jesus, six days before the passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. (2) There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. (3) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. (4) Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - John 12:1-11

1-11 Christ had formerly blamed Martha for being troubled with much serving. But she did not leave off serving, as some, who when found fault with for going too far in one way, peevishly run too far another way; she still served, but within hearing of Christ's gracious words. Mary gave a token of love to Christ, who had given real tokens of his love to her and her family. God's Anointed should be our Anointed. Has God poured on him the oil of gladness above his fellows, let us pour on him the... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - John 12:1-99

John 12 FOR THE THIRD time in this Gospel a Passover feast is mentioned. In Leviticus 23.0 , it is spoken of as one of the “feasts of the Lord,” but in John’s Gospel it is always a feast of the Jews, in keeping with the fact that Jesus is regarded as refused by His people from the outset, and consequently they and their feasts are disowned by God. The religious leaders were now about to crown their infamy by using the Passover as an occasion for encompassing the death of the Son of God. Their... read more