John Calvin Commentary John 12:19

"The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing: lo, the world is gone after him." — John 12:19 (ASV)

Do you not see that you gain nothing? By these words they urge themselves to greater rage; for it may be regarded as a reproach for their slothfulness, as if they had said that the reason why the people revolted and followed Christ was their own excessive indolence and cowardice. This is the way desperate men are accustomed to talk when they are preparing to attempt any extreme measures. And if the enemies of God persevere so obstinately in what is evil, we ought to be far more steadfast in a just undertaking.