John 12:25,26 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He that loveth his life, &c.— He told them further, that as he, their Master, was tosuffer before his exaltation, so must they, his disciples, expect the like; for which reason they were to expect persecution, firmly resolving to lose even life itself, after his example, when called to do so; and in that case he promised them a share in his crown and glory—thus tacitly insinuating, that the strangers should be greatly disappointed, if their desire of conversing with him proceeded from a hope of recommendingthemselvestoearthlyprefermentsthroughhisfavour.Bytheindefinite expressions which our Lord here makes use of, "If any one would serve me, would wish to be of my household, let him follow, &c." he strongly intimates, that his kingdom was to be of a very extensive nature; and that not only the proselytes of righteousness, or of the gate, but even the idolatrous Gentiles themselves, might, on their believing the gospel, be admitted to its privileges. See the passages in the Margin, and on Luke 14:26.