Albert Barnes Commentary John 7:50

"Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them)," — John 7:50 (ASV)

Nicodemus. See John 3:1.

One of them. That is, one of the great council or Sanhedrin. God often places one or more pious men in legislative assemblies to vindicate His honor and His law. He often gives a man grace on such occasions boldly to defend His cause, to put men to their proof, and to confound the proud and the domineering.

We see in this case, also, that a man, at one time timid and fearful , may on other occasions be bold and fearlessly defend the truth as it is in Jesus.

This example should lead every man entrusted with authority or office fearlessly to defend the truth of God and, when the rich and the mighty are pouring contempt on Jesus and His cause, to stand forth as its fearless defender.