Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 12:21

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

The time being now near, when they would be made proselytes. They hear Christ talked of, and wish to see Him: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Cyril of Alexandria

Even though they knew it not, the Pharisees were telling the truth when they said: Behold, the whole world is gone after Him. For not Jews only, but Gentiles as well, were destined to accept the faith. Wherefore also the application of the Greeks happened at that time as a sort of firstfruits; and to Philip as being himself a Galilean, the Galilean Greeks came, asking him to shew them Jesus Whom they wished to see, as they were continually hearing Him well spoken of; that they might worship Him and attain the object of their desires. …

Commentary On The Gospel Of John 8 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

When the report about Jesus reached them, they come to Philip and ask him to arrange for them the opportunity to see Jesus.

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

The devotion of the Gentiles to Christ is shown by their desire to see him; for the Evangelist says, So these, that is, the Gentiles, came to Philip. Here we should note that Christ personally preached only to the Jews: "For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs" (Rom 15:8); but he preached to the Gentiles through the apostles. …

Commentary on John ↗

Bonaventure

These therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee; above in chapter one: "Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter." They went to him as to one better known and expressed their desire: whence they asked him, saying: Lord, we wish to see Jesus. …

Commentary on John, Chapter 12 ↗