John 12 22

John 12:22 kjv

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

John 12:22 nkjv

Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

John 12:22 niv

Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

John 12:22 esv

Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

John 12:22 nlt

Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

John 12 verses

John 12 22 Meaning

This verse details a specific narrative sequence in which Philip, after being approached by certain Greeks, communicates their request to Andrew. Following this, Andrew and Philip together convey the Greeks' desire to see Jesus directly to Him. It portrays a mediated access point for the seeking Gentiles, underscoring the role of the apostles as conduits to Christ and setting the stage for a significant shift in Jesus' ministry towards a universal scope.

John 12 22 Context

John 12:22 is situated within Jesus' final days leading up to His crucifixion, immediately following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The preceding verses (John 12:20-21) introduce "certain Greeks" who approached Philip, expressing a profound desire to "see Jesus." These Greeks were likely proselytes or God-fearers attending the Passover festival, indicating their spiritual seeking from outside the traditional Jewish framework. Philip, chosen as the point of contact, had a Greek name and originated from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44), a region with significant Hellenistic influence. This made him a natural bridge for such an interaction. This moment marks a crucial turning point, leading directly into Jesus' declaration of "His hour" (John 12:23), signaling the universal scope of His sacrifice and salvation beyond Israel.

John 12 22 Word analysis

• Philip (Φίλιππος, Philippos): A common Greek name meaning "lover of horses." As one of the twelve apostles, from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44), his Hellenistic background likely made him approachable to the Greeks. Philip is consistently presented in John as someone who brings others to Jesus (e.g., Nathanael in John 1:43-46).
• came and told (ἔρχεται καὶ λέγει, erchetai kai legei): Both verbs are in the present tense, giving the narrative a vivid, immediate quality, as if the events are unfolding before the reader. This emphasizes Philip's quick action in relaying the message.
• Andrew (Ἀνδρέας, Andreas): Another apostle with a Greek name, meaning "manly." He was Simon Peter's brother, and also from Bethsaida (John 1:44). Like Philip, Andrew has a history of bringing others to Jesus (e.g., Peter in John 1:40-42), and pointing out needs (e.g., the boy with the loaves in John 6:8-9). His involvement suggests a consultation or collaboration for such a significant request.
• Andrew and Philip: The combined action signifies shared responsibility and collaboration among the disciples. Philip's initial consultation with Andrew could indicate Andrew's seniority in their close circle or Philip seeking support for a request that likely had profound implications, dealing with non-Jews. Their unity underscores a deliberate and collective approach to presenting the matter to Jesus.
• came and told Jesus (ἔρχονται καὶ λέγουσιν τῷ Ἰησοῦ, erchontai kai legousin tō Iēsou): This concludes the chain of mediation. The plural "they came and told" (also in present tense) indicates the joint effort of both apostles. Jesus is the ultimate recipient of the Gentiles' desire, confirming His centrality as the one they ultimately wish to "see."

• Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus: This entire phrase describes a clear progression of intercession. It demonstrates the cautious yet dedicated method of the apostles in bringing "outsiders" to Jesus. The request by the Greeks, which was indirect, underscores potential cultural or religious barriers. The disciples, by acting as intermediaries, successfully bridge this gap, bringing the earnest seekers before the Lord Himself.

John 12 22 Bonus section

The immediate consequence of the disciples relaying the Greeks' request (John 12:22) is Jesus' profound declaration in John 12:23: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This shows that the coming of the Gentiles was understood by Jesus as a decisive signal, indicating that His atoning work for all humanity was imminent. The Greeks' desire to "see Jesus" was met not just with a meeting, but with a universal mission revealed. This pivotal event serves as a microcosm of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19), wherein the apostles' initial act of introduction foreshadows the worldwide evangelization of all nations.

John 12 22 Commentary

John 12:22 highlights the crucial mediating role of Jesus' disciples. The fact that the Greeks first approached Philip, who then consulted Andrew before they jointly informed Jesus, reveals the weight of this interaction. The presence of these Gentiles signaled the broader scope of Jesus' mission, transcending national boundaries. This careful, layered approach in presenting their request underscores the seriousness with which the apostles viewed bringing non-Jews to Jesus. The ultimate consequence of this seemingly simple act is profound, as it immediately precedes Jesus' declaration that "the hour has come," connecting His imminent death and resurrection to the salvation of all people, Jew and Gentile alike. Practically, it exemplifies the importance of bringing seekers to Christ, even when the path is not direct, demonstrating the ongoing call for believers to serve as bridges to Jesus.