John 12:42

“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also, etc.] These were the members of the Jewish sanhedrim, as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and others: many believed on him; that he was the Messiah, though they did not believe in him in a spiritual and saving manner, as their Redeemer and Saviour, only in their minds, being convicted by his miracles, gave an assent unto him, as the promised Messiah. The two persons just mentioned may be thought truly to have believed in Christ; but the many here spoken of seem to have had only an historical faith in him, as appears by what follows: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him; as they ought to have done, and as they would have done, if their…”

“among the chief rulers also--rather, "even of the rulers"; such as Nicodemus and Joseph. because of the Pharisees--that is, the leaders of the sects; for they were of it themselves. put out of the synagogue--See Joh 9:22, Joh 9:34.”

“The chief rulers - Members of the Sanhedrin - Nicodemus, Joseph, and others like them. Because of the Pharisees - The Pharisees were a majority of the council. Did not confess him - Did not openly avow their belief that he was the Messiah. Two of them, however, did afterward evince their attachment to him. These were Joseph and Nicodemus, John 19:38-39. That Joseph was one of them appears from Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51. Put out of the synagogue - Excommunicated. See the notes at John 9:22. return to 'Top of Page'”

“12:42-43 Many people did believe in him, but they wouldn’t admit it. To follow Jesus involves telling others about him despite the social consequences (1:35-51; 4:1-42).”

“among: Joh 3:2, Joh 7:48-51, Joh 11:45, Joh 19:38 they did not: Mat 10:32; Luk 12:8; Rom 10:10; Jo1 4:2, Jo1 4:15 lest: Joh 7:13, Joh 9:22, Joh 9:34, Joh 16:2; Pro 29:25; Isa 51:7, Isa 57:11, Isa 66:5; Mat 26:69-75; Luk 6:22; Act 5:41; Pe1 4:12-16 John 12:43”