Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:43

"for they loved the glory [that is] of men more than the glory [that is] of God." — John 12:43 (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.