John Calvin Commentary John 12:36

"While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them." — John 12:36 (ASV)

Believe in the light. He exhorts them to retain by faith the possession of the light, for he gives the name, children of light, to those who, like true heirs, enjoy it to the end.

These things spoke Jesus. We might have wondered why he withdrew from them when they were so eager to receive him; but from the other Evangelists, it can easily be inferred that what is said here relates to adversaries, who burned with envy because of the godly zeal of good and sincere disciples. For the strangers, who had gone out to meet Christ, followed him even to the temple, where he met with the saints and with the multitude of the inhabitants of the town.