Who did the Greeks approach to see Jesus in John 12:20-21?
Certain Greeks who came up to worship at the Feast approached Philip, one of the twelve, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, saying, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Philip then went to Andrew, and together Andrew and Philip brought the request to Jesus.
Les explains that among the crowds coming into Jerusalem from all over the Roman Empire for the Feast of Passover were some inquisitive Gentiles, and these are the Greeks mentioned in John 12:20. He points out that these Greeks came to Philip, one of the twelve, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Les notes that Philip, remembering how Jesus had sort of rebuffed the Gentiles in earlier experiences, did not want to put his foot in his mouth, so he said, "Well now wait a minute, I better check with Andrew." Philip then tells Andrew, and Andrew no doubt said, "Well let's go tell Jesus." Reading between the lines a little bit, Les concludes that Philip tells Andrew, and Andrew and Philip then tell Jesus. Les illustrates the setting by comparing these Gentiles to outsiders standing back at the Wailing Wall, watching the Jews go through their rituals and prayers while they themselves simply observe as Gentiles.
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?
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.