John 12:43

“For they loved the praise of men, etc.] To be in the esteem of men, to have their applause, and receive honour from them: more than the praise of God; than either to receive honour from him, and be praised by him, or to praise and glorify him. By confessing Christ they knew they should run the risk of losing their places of honour and profit, and of falling under the disgrace and contempt of men; and therefore they chose rather not to confess Christ, than by so doing to glorify God, and please him, and be praised by him, as all the faithful professors of Christ will be at the last day; for then every such an one will have praise of God, and it will be said, well done good and faithful…”

“they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God--"a severe remark, considering that several at least of these persons afterwards boldly confessed Christ. It indicates the displeasure with which God regarded their conduct at this time, and with which He continues to regard similar conduct" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].”

“The praise of men - The approval of human beings. It does not appear that they had a living, active faith, but that they were convinced in their understanding that he was the Messiah. They had that kind of faith which is so common among people - a speculative acknowledgment that religion is true, but an acknowledgment which leads to no self-denial, which shrinks from the active duties of piety, and fears man more than God. True faith is active. It overcomes the fear of man; it prompts to self-denying duties, Hebrews 11:0. Nevertheless, it was no unimportant proof that Jesus was the Messiah, that any part of the great council of the Jews were even speculatively convinced of it: and it shows…”

“they: Joh 5:41, Joh 5:44; Mat 6:2, Mat 23:5-7; Luk 16:15; Psa 22:29; Th1 2:6 the praise of God: Joh 12:26, Joh 8:54; Sa1 2:30; Luk 19:17; Rom 2:7; Co1 4:5; Co2 10:18; Pe1 1:7, Pe1 1:8, Pe1 3:4 John 12:44”