Albert Barnes Commentary John 7:26

"And lo, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing unto him. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is the Christ?" — John 7:26 (ASV)

Do the rulers know indeed, etc. It seems from this that they supposed that the rulers had been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, but that for some reason they were not yet willing to make it known to the people. The reasons for this opinion were these:

1. They knew that they had attempted to kill him.
2. They now saw him speaking boldly to the people without interruption from the rulers. They concluded, therefore, that some change had taken place in the sentiments of the rulers in regard to him, though they had not yet made it public.

The rulers. The members of the Sanhedrim, or great council of the nation, who had charge of religious affairs.

Indeed. Truly; certainly. Have they certain evidence, as would appear from their permitting him to speak without interruption?

The very Christ. Is truly or really the Messiah.