John Calvin Commentary John 12:21

"these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus." — John 12:21 (ASV)

These men therefore went to Philip. It is an indication of reverence that they do not address Christ, but desire to gain access through Philip; for reverence always fosters modesty. The inference that the Papists draw from this—namely, that we should call on departed saints to be our advocates with Christ and the Father—is so ridiculous that it needs no refutation.

The Greeks address Philip while he is present; and what resemblance is there to those who address their prayers to departed saints, from whom they are separated? But such are the fruits of human presumption, once it has allowed itself to go beyond the limits of the word of God.

The invocation of saints has been recklessly invented by the Papists from their own imagination; and now, to shelter themselves under a false pretense borrowed from the word of God, they corrupt Scripture, tear it to pieces, and do not hesitate to expose it to shameful taunts.