John 12:21 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

We would see Jesus.— This transaction appears to have been in the passover-week, when Christ taught daily in the temple, but retired to Bethany in the evening with his disciples. So that by seeing him, ιδειν, cannot barely be meant seeing his person, which they might have done with the rest of the multitude while he was teaching them; and consequently there could be no reason for them to apply to Philip on that account, or for him to inform Andrew, and for them again to acquaint Jesus with such a request. However, it is not improbable, from the circumstances of the narrative, that thisrequest was made in the temple, upon their meeting with Philip there; and that what they desired, was an admission to Jesus in such a manner, as to hear him perfectly, and be fully informed of his doctrine. It is not indeed expressly said whether this request was granted or not; but it is very reasonable to suppose that it was: for as it was not the effect of mere curiosity, whenever our Saviour met with a disposition in any persons to receive his instructions, he was always ready to encourage it.