John Calvin Commentary John 3:12

"If I told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things?" — John 3:12 (ASV)

If I have told you earthly things. Christ concludes that Nicodemus and others are at fault if they do not advance in the doctrine of the Gospel. For He shows that He is not to blame if all are not properly instructed, since He comes down even to the earth, so that He may raise us to heaven.

It is a very common fault that people desire to be taught in an ingenious and witty style. As a result, most people are so delighted with lofty and abstruse speculations. Consequently, many esteem the Gospel less because they do not find in it impressive-sounding words to fill their ears, and for this reason do not condescend to pay attention to a doctrine so humble and simple.

But it shows an extraordinary degree of wickedness when we show less reverence to God speaking to us, because He condescends to our ignorance. And so, when God prattles to us in Scripture in a rough and popular style, we should understand that this is done because of the love He has for us.

Anyone who exclaims that he is offended by such simplicity of language, or uses it as an excuse for not submitting himself to the Word of God, is speaking falsely. For the one who cannot bear to embrace God when He approaches him will be even less likely to fly to meet Him above the clouds.

Earthly things. Some explain this to mean the basic elements of spiritual doctrine, for self-denial may be said to be the beginning of piety. But I am more inclined to agree with those who refer it to the manner of instruction. For, though the whole of Christ’s discourse was heavenly, yet He spoke in such a familiar manner that the style itself had some appearance of being earthly. Moreover, these words should not be seen as referring only to a single sermon, for Christ’s ordinary method of teaching—that is, a popular simplicity of style—is here contrasted with the pompous and impressive-sounding phrases to which ambitious people are far too devoted.