John Calvin Commentary John 12:4

"But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith," — John 12:4 (ASV)

One of his disciples, therefore, says. Next follows the murmuring of Judas, which Matthew attributes to the disciples indiscriminately (Matthew 16:8), and Mark to some of them (Mark 14:4); but it is customary in Scripture to apply to many, by way of synecdoche, what belongs to one or to a few. Yet I think it is probable that the murmuring proceeded from Judas alone, and that the rest were induced to give him their assent, as murmurings, by fanning a flame, easily kindle in us a variety of dispositions; and especially as we are too prone to form unfavorable judgments, slanders are readily embraced by us.

But the credulity which the Spirit of God reproves in the Apostles is a warning to us not to be too easy and credulous in listening to calumnious statements.