Nevertheless among the chief rulers many believed on him.

These were members of the Sanhedrim. They had an intellectual faith, but it was not. power over their hearts. "With the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10). These rulers, not believing with the heart, did not make open confession, because they feared the Pharisees. The fact that they did not confess him from fear, only added to their sin. They declined openly to take his side when they believed him to be the Christ. They were dishonest. Nor does the New Testament anywhere give. shadow of. hope to anyone who refuses to confess Christ openly.

Put out of the synagogue.

See 9:22 for the determination of the Pharisees, and the consequences of being put out of the synagogue. The Pharisees were the leaders in inflicting the religious penalties.

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