John Calvin Commentary John 12:23

"And Jesus answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." — John 12:23 (ASV)

The hour is come. Many explain this as referring to the death of Christ, because through it the glory of Christ was manifested; so that, in their opinion, Christ now declares that the time of his death is near. However, I prefer to view it as referring to the publication of the gospel, as if he had said that the knowledge of him would soon be spread through every region of the world.

Thus he wished to address the astonishment his death might arouse in his disciples, for he shows that there is no reason for their courage to fail, because the doctrine of the gospel will nevertheless be proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Again, so that this contemplation of his glory might not soon afterward vanish when he is condemned to death, hung on the cross, and finally buried, he gives them early warning that the ignominy of his death is no obstruction to his glory. For this purpose, he employs a most appropriate comparison.