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Commentaries
English
John
  
42Nevertheless many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;43for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.


John, the evangelist, was known in the high priestly family (John 18:15). He tells us that, despite the distancing of the general public from Jesus, some dignitaries believed in him. They realized that God was with him, and his words were full of power and truth, but they did not witness openly.
Why did such men agree to the verdict that ran contrary to their consciences? They feared the Pharisees, preferring safety and popularity to the truth. The Pharisees had threatened Jerusalemites with expulsion if any supported Jesus. So these deputies were reluctant to lose their prestige and be exposed to a ban and to persecution. Anyone who was cut off from the nation could not buy or sell, nor marry or pray with others of his people. He is deemed a leper infecting society.
Why did these representatives not confess despite their secret faith? They preferred the honor of man more than the majesty of God. But pleasing the holy God was not their aim; they loved themselves more than their Lord.
Woe to him who only believes secretly, and acts as if he does not know Jesus. Such a man will deny his Lord at a critical hour. He prefers security and reputation to God’s honor and protection. Confess your Lord and Savior, trusting that he will guide you rightly according to his good pleasure.