John 12:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Philip {G5376} cometh {G2064} and {G2532} telleth {G3004} Andrew {G406}: and {G2532} again {G3825} Andrew {G406} and {G2532} Philip {G5376} tell {G3004} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus.

American Standard Version

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:22 details a pivotal moment in Jesus' final week, immediately following the request of "certain Greeks" to see Jesus. Philip, one of the twelve disciples, initially approaches Andrew, another disciple, with this unusual request. Together, Andrew and Philip then present the matter to Jesus, highlighting the collaborative and mediating role of the disciples in bringing seekers from outside the Jewish fold to the Lord, thereby foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the profound events of Jesus' final Passover week in Jerusalem, specifically after His triumphal entry and just before His discourse on His impending death and glorification. The preceding verse, [John 12:21](/john/12-21 "The Greeks' request to see Jesus"), introduces "certain Greeks" who express a desire "to see Jesus" to Philip. The immediate aftermath of this interaction, beginning in [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "Jesus' declaration of His 'hour'"), sees Jesus respond not directly to the Greeks, but with a profound theological statement about His "hour" – His impending crucifixion and resurrection – and the necessity of His death to bear much fruit, thereby implicitly addressing the universal implications of their request. This sequence underscores that the arrival of the Greeks is a catalyst for Jesus' teaching on the necessity and purpose of His sacrifice for all humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Greeks" mentioned here (Greek: _Hellenes_) were likely not ethnic Greeks from Greece, but rather Gentile proselytes or "God-fearers" who had adopted aspects of Jewish monotheism and were in Jerusalem to observe the Passover feast. Their presence at the Passover, a quintessentially Jewish festival, signifies a growing interest in the God of Israel among Gentiles. Culturally, there was a historical tension between Jews and Gentiles, with many Jews believing salvation was exclusively for Israel. The disciples' cautious approach (Philip going to Andrew) might reflect this cultural boundary, or simply a desire to properly handle an unprecedented request from non-Jews to meet Jesus directly. This interaction sets the stage for the radical inclusivity that would characterize the early Christian movement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel and the broader New Testament. It highlights the theme of **mediation and intercession**, as Philip and Andrew serve as crucial bridges between the seeking Gentiles and Jesus, a role that believers are called to fulfill in bringing others to Christ. It powerfully **foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel**, indicating that Jesus' ministry and salvation are not limited to the Jewish people but extend to all nations. The arrival of these Gentiles anticipates the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the ingathering of the nations (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Prophecy of nations flowing to Zion")), which would be fully realized through Jesus' death and resurrection. Furthermore, it underscores Jesus' **accessibility to all who genuinely seek Him**, regardless of their background, reinforcing the open invitation of the Kingdom of God. Andrew, in particular, consistently appears as a "connector" in the Gospels, notably bringing his brother Simon Peter to Jesus in [John 1:41](/john/1-41 "Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus") and identifying the boy with the loaves and fish in [John 6:8-9](/john/6-8-9 "Andrew finds the boy with the loaves and fish").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** Originating from a primary verb, this word signifies movement, "to come or go," encompassing a wide range of applications both literal and figurative. In this context, it denotes Philip's direct action of approaching Andrew, indicating a deliberate and purposeful movement to consult or seek assistance.
* **telleth (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. It suggests a deliberate communication, more than just a casual remark, conveying information or a message. Here, it highlights the act of Philip and then Andrew and Philip jointly presenting the Greeks' request to Jesus.
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb implies repetition or a return, meaning "anew" or "once more." Here, it highlights the sequential nature of the disciples' actions, emphasizing the joint effort of Andrew and Philip after Philip's initial consultation, signifying a confirmed and unified decision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Philip cometh and telleth Andrew":** This clause describes Philip's initial response to the Greeks' request. Faced with the unusual situation of Gentiles seeking Jesus, Philip, perhaps feeling the weight of the request or unsure of how Jesus would receive them, consults with Andrew. This action highlights the collaborative nature of the disciples' ministry and Philip's prudence in seeking counsel.
* **"and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus":** This second clause reveals the outcome of Philip's consultation with Andrew. The decision is made to jointly present the Greeks' request to Jesus, underscoring the importance of the matter and the disciples' unity in bringing significant issues, especially those with broader implications, to their Lord. The word "again" emphasizes the repeated action of "telling," this time to Jesus, after their internal deliberation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression**, swiftly moving the plot forward from the Greeks' request to the disciples' internal consultation and then to their joint approach to Jesus. This quick succession of actions builds anticipation for Jesus' response. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "Greeks" represent the broader Gentile world, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins. The disciples' actions of bringing others to Jesus serve as a **Type** or **Pattern** for the church's mission throughout history, emphasizing the role of believers as intermediaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:22, though brief, is rich in theological significance, serving as a crucial bridge between Jesus' earthly ministry to Israel and the expansive, global mission of the church. The arrival of the Greeks symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a central theme in the New Testament. It signifies that God's redemptive plan was never exclusively for one nation but always intended to encompass all peoples, fulfilling ancient prophecies. The disciples' role as intercessors also highlights the ongoing call for believers to be bridges, connecting those who are seeking Christ to the source of life. This moment sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the necessity of His death to "draw all people" to Himself, establishing the universal scope of His atoning work.

* [John 1:41](/john/1-41 "Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus")
* [John 6:8-9](/john/6-8-9 "Andrew identifies the boy with the loaves and fish")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission to all nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple interaction between Philip, Andrew, and Jesus offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our role in the Kingdom of God often involves being a bridge for others, facilitating their encounter with Jesus. Just as Philip and Andrew took the initiative to bring the Greeks' request to Jesus, we are called to actively connect those who are seeking truth and meaning to the living Christ. This requires sensitivity, discernment, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, just as the disciples navigated the cultural boundaries of their day. Furthermore, the narrative underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel: Jesus is accessible to all who genuinely desire to know Him, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. Our churches and ministries should reflect this open invitation, embracing and welcoming all who come seeking.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Philip and Andrew, serve as a bridge to connect others to Jesus in my daily life?**
* **How does the desire of the "Greeks to see Jesus" challenge my own assumptions about who is seeking God and how I might respond to them?**
* **What barriers, whether cultural, social, or personal, might prevent me from bringing others to Christ, and how can I overcome them?**

### FAQ
**Why did Philip go to Andrew first instead of directly to Jesus?**

Answer: Philip's decision to consult Andrew first, rather than immediately approaching Jesus, is not explicitly stated but can be inferred from several factors. Firstly, the request came from "Greeks" (Gentiles), which was an unusual and perhaps sensitive matter in a Jewish context. Philip might have felt unsure how Jesus would receive non-Jews or how to best present their request. Secondly, Andrew had a history of bringing people to Jesus (e.g., Peter in [John 1:41](/john/1-41 "Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus"), the boy with the loaves and fish in [John 6:8-9](/john/6-8-9 "Andrew finds the boy with the loaves and fish")), suggesting he was known for his mediating role and perhaps had a more direct line or greater confidence in approaching Jesus with such matters. This collaborative approach also highlights the unity and shared responsibility among the disciples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:22, with the arrival of the Greeks seeking Jesus, serves as a powerful Christ-centered foreshadowing of the universal scope of salvation accomplished through Jesus' death and resurrection. The "hour" that Jesus speaks of in [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "Jesus' 'hour' is near") immediately after this interaction is His crucifixion, which He describes as the moment when "the Son of Man will be glorified." His subsequent parable of the grain of wheat dying to bear much fruit in [John 12:24](/john/12-24 "The grain of wheat must die") directly links His impending death to the expansion of the Gospel beyond Israel. It is through His sacrifice that the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ breaks down the dividing wall")), making it possible for all nations to come to God. The Greeks' desire to "see Jesus" is ultimately fulfilled not merely in a physical encounter, but in the spiritual reality of Christ's indwelling presence in believers from every tribe and tongue, as the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" is revealed to the Gentiles ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Christ in you, the hope of glory")). Thus, this seemingly small request from a few Gentiles becomes a profound prophetic sign of the global harvest that Jesus' finished work would yield.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 1:40

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Luke 9:49

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luke 9:50

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Mark 10:13

¶ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

Mark 10:14

But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: