Which disciple did the Greeks approach in John 12:20-21 and what did they ask him?
The Greeks approached Philip, one of the twelve, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee. They asked him, saying, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Philip then checked with Andrew, and Andrew and Philip told Jesus. This occurred among Gentiles at the Feast of Passover shortly before His crucifixion.
Les explains that the setting is John 12, just shortly before the crucifixion, with crowds arriving from across the Roman Empire for the Feast of Passover. Among them were inquisitive Gentiles, identified as Greeks in verse 20. These Greeks came to worship at the Feast and approached Philip, one of the twelve from Bethsaida of Galilee, asking, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Remembering that Jesus had earlier seemed to rebuff Gentiles, Philip did not want to put his foot in his mouth, so he checked with Andrew. Philip told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip then told Jesus, relaying the Greeks' request.
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
More Questions
Who were the Greeks in John 12:20 and how were they like Gentiles at the Wailing Wall?
Among the Passover crowd in John 12 were inquiring Gentiles—the Greeks of verse 20—who were outsiders looking on, comparable to Gentiles standing back at the Wailing Wall watching Jews perform their rituals and prayers.
Why did Philip check with Andrew before bringing the Greeks to Jesus?
Philip hesitated to bring the Greeks to Jesus because he remembered that Jesus had previously rebuffed Gentiles, so he checked with Andrew first to avoid putting his foot in his mouth.
Who were the Greeks in John 12:20?
The Greeks in John 12:20 were inquisitive Gentiles present as the Jews were getting ready for their sacrifices and the Feast of Passover.
Were the Greeks in John 12:20 proselytes or just curious bystanders?
The Greeks in John 12:20 should not be labeled proselytes; Les thinks they were just curious bystanders.