Charles Ellicott Commentary John 12:42

"Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [it], lest they should be put out of the synagogue:" — John 12:42 (ASV)

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him. This is strongly asserted in opposition to the spiritual blindness of the nation. There were, nevertheless, many even in the Sanhedrin itself who believed on Him.

But because of the Pharisees they did not confess. Compare Note on John 9:22. It seems from the present passage that the Pharisees were the most determined foes of Christ, and that even the rulers were kept in awe by their threat of excommunication. This submission to the Pharisees’ yoke which kept them from Christ was itself blinding their eyes and hardening their hearts. They are at once, therefore, the exception to, and the illustration of, the principle of which Saint John was speaking. They had the power to see the truth, but they had not the will to face boldly the results of their own convictions, and the unused power ceased to exist. .