ACC ~ John 7 v50 - 52

AT LEAST ONE PHARISEE BELIEVED

CHRYSOSTOM: He shows that they neither know the law nor do the law, for if the law commands to kill no one without first hearing him, and they before hearing were eager to do this, they were transgressors of the law. And because they said, “None of the rulers has believed on him,” therefore the Evangelist informs us that Nicodemus was “one of them,” to show that even rulers believed on him. For although they were not all that bold yet, still they were becoming attached to Christ. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 52.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:187*.

NICODEMUS OPPOSES THE OTHER PHARISEES

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: It is evident that not all the doctors approved what they were doing, since one of the doctors was Nicodemus, who replied against their words. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 3.7.50-51. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:163-64.

NICODEMUS HOPES THEY WILL BELIEVE

AUGUSTINE: Nicodemus indeed knew, or rather believed, that if only they were willing to give him a patient hearing, they would perhaps become like those who were sent to take him but preferred to believe. They answered, from the prejudice of their heart, what they had answered to those officers, “Are you also a Galilean?” that is, one seduced as it were by the Galilean. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 33.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:197*.

THE WEAK FAITH OF NICODEMUS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Nicodemus, who was numbered among those having authority… is himself indignant with the Pharisees for condemning the people for only marveling at Jesus. It is clear that he agrees with those who believe. However, he is still sick from harmful shame and, not yet mingling boldness with his zeal, he does not permit his faith to be clearly revealed. Rather, he hides his faith as with a dark cloak and conceals that he is on Christ’s side. Nicodemus is sick with a terrible sickness because we ought to believe fearlessly, glorying rather than being ashamed, practicing a transparent openness and rejecting slave-like hypocrisy…. Thus it was fitting for the wise Paul to declare, “I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 5.2. [2]

[1] Rom 1:16.

[2] LF 43:559-60**.

NICODEMUS’S WEAKNESS OR FEAR KEEPS HIM SILENT

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Nicodemus, either out of weakness or fear of the doctors, did not reply to them when they wanted to diminish the words and works of Christ by mentioning Galilee. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 3.7.52. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:164.