Expositor's Bible Commentary 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 author expresses surprise and regret that in spite of Jesus’ numerous “signs” the people still obstinately refused to believe in him. Unbelief was rapidly approaching the climax attained in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. John connected this with the prophecy of Isaiah, thus plainly affirming that Jesus was the subject of the passage on the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12). Parts of this prophecy are quoted repeatedly in the NT (Matthew 8:17; Acts 8:32–33; Romans 10:16; Romans 15:21; 1 Peter 2:22, 24–25), and it is an important basis for the doctrine of the Atonement. Prophecy repeatedly played a large part in apostolic preaching (e.g., Acts 2:17–35; 3:18, 21, 24).