Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

John notes that many of the leaders believed (including probably Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus; cf. 19:38–39; Mark 15:43). Possibly John learned of this movement among the national leaders through his acquaintance with Nicodemus. Since the attitude of the council as a whole would call for the excommunication of any avowed believers in Jesus , these people remained silent.