John 12:42-43

“ It is true, nevertheless, that, even among the rulers, many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess their faith, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory which comes from men more than the glory which comes from God. ”

This exception confirms the rule, since it proves that, even where faith had been awakened, the fear of men suppressed the profession and development of it. We see from this remarkable expression how heavy was the yoke which Pharisaism made to rest as a burden upon Israel (see the parables of chap. 10). The moral cause of the hardening and blinding of the people (John 12:40) was precisely this power of Pharisaic fanaticism, which was incompatible with the spirit of the Gospel. Respecting ὅμως, nevertheless, comp. Galatians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 14:7. The words: lest they should be put out of the synagogue, confirm what was said in John 9:22. The word δόξα, in John 12:43, is taken nearly in its etymological sense: opinion, whence: approbation. The difference of reading (ὐπέρ and ἤπερ) is probably due to itacism (the pronouncing of η and υ as ι). If ὑπέρ is read, there are two forms of comparison combined here, as if for the purpose of better setting forth the odiousness of such a preference. Those who are commonly ranked in the class of these cowardly persons, are men like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. I cannot adopt this application (John 19:38-42). Those rather are in question who remained outwardly attached to the Jewish system, such as Gamaliel and many others, the Erasmuses of that time. On the necessity of profession for salvation, comp. Romans 10:10.