Albert Barnes Commentary John 12:38

"that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" — John 12:38 (ASV)

The saying. The word of Isaiah, or that which Isaiah predicted. This occurs in Isaiah 53:1.

Might be fulfilled. That the same effect should occur as occurred in the time of Isaiah. This does not mean that the Pharisees rejected Christ in order that the prophecy of Isaiah should be fulfilled, but that by their rejection of Him, the same thing had occurred that took place in the time of Isaiah.

His message was despised by the nation, and He Himself was put to death. It was also true—by the same causes and by the same nation—that the same gospel message was rejected by the Jews in the time of Christ.

The same language of the prophet would express both events, and no doubt it was intended by the Holy Spirit to mark both events. In this way, it was completely fulfilled. See the commentary on Isaiah 53:1.

Our report. Literally, by report is meant "what is heard." Our speech, our message. That is, few or none have received the message. The form of the question is an emphatic way of saying that it was rejected.

The arm of the Lord. The arm is a symbol of power, as it is the instrument by which we execute our purposes. It stands for the power of God (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10).

Thus, He is said to have brought out the children of Israel from Egypt with a high arm—that is, with great power. Therefore, it means God's power in defending His people, in overcoming His enemies, and in saving the soul. In this place, it clearly denotes the power displayed by the miracles of Christ.

Revealed. Made known, seen, understood. Though the power of God was displayed, yet the people did not see and understand it.