Matthew Poole and continuators on John 12:42

42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him , but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue .

Tho the Pharisees made up a great part of the Sanhedrim, yet there were divers others also mixt with them, amongst which there were many of a better temper; and it may be [non-Latin text not transcribed] here may not signifie members of that Court, but principal men in the Magistracy; we must not understand by believing, that they believed with a saving Faith; what follows will evidence the contrary: but they had some convictions upon them, as to the truth of what he said, and his being the true Messias;

but they durst not openly declare what themselves thought, nor publickly own and aver Christ to be, what he indeed was, and they were inclinable to think he was, lest the Pharisees who were Christs most implacable Enemies, should have put the decree they had made, (of which we read) Chap. 9.22. in Execution upon them.

Marginal references: Chap. [illegible: 1 letter].13. and 9.22.