Can you explain John 12: 42?
Introduction. John 12: 42 reads as follows: "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."
Explanation of John 12: 42. The chief rulers were among the elect of the Jews, probably members of the Sanhedrin. John 12: 42 shows that the gospel was having inroads even among the leaders. In the case of these chief rulers, however, there was a problem - because of the Pharisees they would not confess Christ. Peer pressure has always influenced people, even adults (cf. John 3: 2). The Jews had agreed that confessing Christ was reason for expulsion from their religious circle (John 9: 22).
The rulers believed, but would not confess Christ. Much of the religious world contends that all one need do to be saved is simply believe - nothing else. They contend that to say one must do more than believe is tantamount to salvation by works. According to their doctrine, these rulers were saved. However, Jesus taught men must confess Him before man (Matt. 10: 32). Moreover, Jesus explained, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven: (Matt. 10: 33). Confession is "unto salvation," Paul explained (Rom. 10: 10).
Alas, not a few today will not accept and confess the Christ of the scriptures because of their fear of men's rejection. They are afraid to denounce the world and denominationalism and simply be a New Testament Christian because they know men will ostracize and shun them. "...For do I now persuade men, or God: or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ," Paul wrote (Gal. 1: 10).
Explanation of John 12: 42. The chief rulers were among the elect of the Jews, probably members of the Sanhedrin. John 12: 42 shows that the gospel was having inroads even among the leaders. In the case of these chief rulers, however, there was a problem - because of the Pharisees they would not confess Christ. Peer pressure has always influenced people, even adults (cf. John 3: 2). The Jews had agreed that confessing Christ was reason for expulsion from their religious circle (John 9: 22).
The rulers believed, but would not confess Christ. Much of the religious world contends that all one need do to be saved is simply believe - nothing else. They contend that to say one must do more than believe is tantamount to salvation by works. According to their doctrine, these rulers were saved. However, Jesus taught men must confess Him before man (Matt. 10: 32). Moreover, Jesus explained, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven: (Matt. 10: 33). Confession is "unto salvation," Paul explained (Rom. 10: 10).
Alas, not a few today will not accept and confess the Christ of the scriptures because of their fear of men's rejection. They are afraid to denounce the world and denominationalism and simply be a New Testament Christian because they know men will ostracize and shun them. "...For do I now persuade men, or God: or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ," Paul wrote (Gal. 1: 10).