John 12:22

John 12:22, in plain English

Philip wasn't sure what to do, so he talked it over with Andrew, and together they brought the request to Jesus. Sometimes you need a friend to help you take a step of faith.

Why it's here

Andrew had a track record of bringing people to Jesus, starting from the very first chapter of John. This little detail shows how community and partnership matter in connecting people with God.

Who's speaking

John describes Philip and Andrew working together to relay the Greeks' request to Jesus.

Where it sits in the story

Philip could have just said no or ignored the request, but instead he found Andrew. Together they approached Jesus. It is a small moment that reminds you how important it is to have people in your life who help you move toward Jesus.

The scholarly reading

Philip consults Andrew before approaching Jesus, possibly due to uncertainty about whether Jesus would receive Gentiles. Andrew and Philip frequently appear together in John's Gospel as a pair.

Language and setting

Andrew, like Philip, is from Bethsaida and bears a Greek name. The two-step relay (Greeks to Philip, Philip to Andrew, both to Jesus) emphasizes the significance of this Gentile approach.

Voice

John narrates the chain of communication from the Greeks through Philip and Andrew to Jesus.

Significance

Philip was unsure how to handle the Greeks' request, so he consulted Andrew, who had a history of bringing people to Jesus (cf. John 1:41, 6:8). Together, they brought the matter directly to Jesus, setting the stage for a pivotal teaching moment.

20Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast.

21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”

22Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus.

23But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Read all of John 12 — Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume, the crowds wave palm branches, and Jesus announces that his hour has finally arrived.