Joh 7:50-53 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 50. Nicodemus . See . One of them . That is, one of the great council or Sanhedrim. God often places one or more pious men in legislative assemblies to vindicate his honour and his law; and he often gives a man grace on such occasions boldly to defend his cause; to put men upon their proof , and to confound the proud and the domineering. We see in this case, also, that a man, at one time timid and fearful (comp.) ), may on other occasions be bold, and fearlessly defend the truth as it is in Jesus. This example should lead every man intrusted with authority or office fearlessly to defend the truth of God, and, when the rich and the mighty are pouring contempt on Jesus and his cause, to stand forth as its fearless defender. (s) "he that came" (4) "to Jesus", "to him"

John 7:50-53

Verse 50. Nicodemus. See Jn 3:1.

One of them. That is, one of the great council or Sanhedrim. God often places one or more pious men in legislative assemblies to vindicate his honour and his law; and he often gives a man grace on such occasions boldly to defend his cause; to put men upon their proof, and to confound the proud and the domineering. We see in this case, also, that a man, at one time timid and fearful (comp.) Jn 3:1), may on other occasions be bold, and fearlessly defend the truth as it is in Jesus. This example should lead every man intrusted with authority or office fearlessly to defend the truth of God, and, when the rich and the mighty are pouring contempt on Jesus and his cause, to stand forth as its fearless defender.

(s) "he that came" Jn 3:2 (4) "to Jesus", "to him" Verse 51. Doth our law, &c. The law required justice to be done, and gave every man the right to claim a fair and impartial trial, Lev 19:15,16, Ex 23:1,2, De 19:15,18. Their condemnation of Jesus was a violation of every rule of right. He was not arraigned; he was not heard in self-defence, and not a single witness was adduced. Nicodemus demanded that justice should be done, and that he should not be condemned until he had had a fair trial. Every man should be presumed innocent until he is proved to be guilty. This is a maxim of law, and a most just and proper precept in our judgments in private life.

(t) "Doth our law" De 17:8, Prov 18:13 Verse 52. Art thou also of Galilee? Here is another expression of contempt. To be a Galilean was a term of the highest reproach. They knew well that he was not of Galilee, but they meant to ask whether he also had become a follower of the despised Galilean. Ridicule is not argument, and there is no demonstration in a gibe; but, unhappily, this is the only weapon which the proud and haughty often used in opposing religion.

Ariseth no prophet. That is, there is no prediction that any prophet should come out of Galilee, and especially no prophet that was to attend or precede the Messiah. Comp. Jn 1:46. They assumed, therefore, that Jesus could not be the Christ.

(u) "Out of Galilee" Isa 9:1,2 Verse 53. And every man went unto his own house. There is every mark of confusion and disorder in this breaking up of the Sanhedrim. It is possible that some of the Sadducees might have joined Nicodemus in opposing the Pharisees, and thus increased the disorder. It is a most instructive and melancholy exhibition of the influence of pride, envy, contempt, and anger, when brought to bear on an inquiry, and when they are manifestly opposed to candour, to argument, and to truth. So wild and furious are the passions of men when they oppose the person and claims of the Son of God! It is remarkable, too, how God accomplishes his purposes. They wished to destroy Jesus. God suffered their passions to be excited, a tumult to ensue, the assembly thus to break up in disorder, and Jesus to be safe, for his time had not yet come. "The wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain," Ps 76:10.