John 12:21

“The same came therefore to Philip, etc.] 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 Galilee; (see Gill on “<430144>John 1:44”). This place may be interpreted, “the house of hunting”, or “of fishing”; for it is not easy to say which it has its name from, since adyx, “saida”, signifies both…”

“Bethsaida of Galilee - See the notes at John 1:44. Would see Jesus - It is probable that the word “see,” here, implies also a desire to converse with him, or to hear his doctrine about the nature of his kingdom. They had seen or heard of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and, either by curiosity or a desire to be instructed, they came and interceded with his disciples that they might be permitted to see him. In this there was nothing wrong. Christ made the curiosity of Zacchaeus the means of his conversion, Luke 19:1-9. If we wish to find the Saviour, we must seek for him and take the proper means. return to 'Top of Page'”

“These came to Philip of Bethsaida in Galilee - Perhaps they used to lodge there, in their journey to Jerusalem. Or they might believe, a Galilean would be more ready to serve them herein, than a Jew. Sir - They spake to him, as to one they were little acquainted with. We would see Jesus - A modest request. They could scarce expect that he would now have time to talk with them. John 12:23”

“12:21 The Greeks approached Philip because he had a Greek name and was no doubt Greek.”

“Philip: Joh 1:43-47, Joh 6:5-7, Joh 14:8, Joh 14:9 we would: Joh 1:36-39, Joh 6:40; Mat 2:2, Mat 8:9-12, Mat 12:19-21, Mat 15:22-28; Luk 19:2-4; Rom 15:8-12 John 12:22”