Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Their scornful question reveals a dangerous way of thinking: that truth is determined by popularity or by the approval of those in power. They believed that if no important people had accepted Jesus, then he couldn't possibly be from God.
Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus speaks powerfully, some temple officers are sent to arrest Him but return empty-handed, confessing, "No one ever spoke like this man!" The religious authorities, stunned and angered, dismiss the officers' awe and scoff at the idea that the common people, whom they deem ignorant of the law, could discern truth. Then, Nicodemus, one of their own, cautiously defends Jesus by appealing to Jewish law, which prompts further scorn from his peers. This leads to the defiant question, implying that since no respected leaders have believed, Jesus must be a fraud.
The religious leaders dismissed Jesus not because his message lacked truth, but because his followers weren't among the elite. It’s a question of who gets to decide what’s real.
In John 7:48, the Pharisees lash out with a rhetorical question: "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?" This isn't a genuine inquiry; it's a scornful dismissal.
The Rule of Rank
Their argument hinges on authority. They believed that if Jesus were truly from God, then the established religious leaders – the 'rulers' of the Sanhedrin and the 'Pharisees,' respected for their knowledge of the law – would surely be among his followers. Their faith, or lack thereof, was the ultimate stamp of approval.
The Flaw in Their Logic
This way of thinking completely bypasses the truth of Jesus' message and the undeniable impact of his actions. It prioritizes human recognition over divine validation. They were so caught up in their own power and position that they couldn't conceive of God working through someone who wasn't recognized by their elite circles.
This is a dangerous trap: deciding what's true based on who endorses it, rather than on the evidence itself.
While the Pharisees mocked, God was already quietly cultivating believers right under their noses. Their scorn blinded them to the seeds of faith they couldn't control.
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The Pharisees’ question in John 7:48 is filled with contempt. They were incensed that the crowds and even their own temple officers were captivated by Jesus. They saw this popular support, not as a sign of divine power, but as evidence that Jesus was a fraud, appealing only to the ignorant masses.
Blinding Pride
Their pride in their own status blinded them. They couldn't fathom that God might work outside their approved channels. The commentary notes that this mentality often leads people to scorn truths they don't want to accept, simply because they aren't validated by the 'right' people.
The Hidden Seed
What they missed was that God was indeed drawing people from within their own ranks. Nicodemus, a ruler and a Pharisee, had already secretly met with Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea, another prominent figure, would later play a crucial role. These individuals, though not openly declaring their faith due to fear, represented a growing, albeit hidden, belief.
Their scorn was loud, but God’s quiet work was already in motion, proving that true faith isn’t always found in the spotlight of public approval.
Understand the original words
archōn · Greek Noun
Those holding positions of power or influence, including members of the Sanhedrin or high-ranking religious officials.
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish sect characterized by strict adherence to the oral and written law, often noted for their legalism and opposition to Jesus.
This verse highlights the deep chasm between the religious establishment (rulers and Pharisees) and the common people during Jesus' ministry. The authorities use their position and adherence to the Law as a basis for rejecting Jesus, contrasting sharply with the positive reception he receives from the multitude.
c. 200 BC - AD 200
Rise of the Pharisees
The Pharisees emerge as a prominent religious sect within Judaism, known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They gain significant influence among the common people and within Jewish leadership.
c. 200 BC - AD 200
The Sanhedrin's Authority
The Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, functions as the supreme religious and judicial body. Its members, often including rulers and Pharisees, hold significant power in interpreting Jewish law and governing religious affairs.
During Jesus' Ministry
Temple Tax Collection
Temple authorities employ officers to collect the required temple tax and maintain order within the Temple precincts. These officers often interact with those challenging religious norms.
During Jesus' Ministry (Feast of Tabernacles)— this verse
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Jesus publicly teaches and debates in the Temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles, drawing large crowds and provoking strong reactions from the religious authorities.
During Jesus' Ministry (Feast of Tabernacles)
Dispute Over Jesus' Identity
Following Jesus' teachings, the crowds are divided, with some believing He is the Prophet, while others, particularly the authorities, are skeptical and seek to arrest Him.
This passage highlights how God often chooses the 'weak' and 'lowly' to confound the 'wise' and 'powerful', mirroring the Pharisees' disdain for Jesus' common followers.
Acts 4:13Here, Peter and John's boldness in speaking the truth astounds the Sanhedrin because they are recognized as 'uneducated, common men', echoing the same sentiment of learned leaders dismissing the unlearned adherents of Jesus.
John 3:1-2This passage introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler, who secretly seeks out Jesus, demonstrating that while open belief among the elite was rare, sincere seeking was happening in hidden ways.
Luke 10:21Jesus rejoices that the Father has hidden these truths from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children, directly contrasting the Pharisees' reliance on their own perceived wisdom with God's chosen method of revelation.
calvinJohn 7:45-53: "Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?"
- So the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, Why have you not brought him? 46. The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man. 47. The Pharisees therefore answered them, And are you also seduced? 48. Hath any of the rulers, or of the Pharisees, believed in him? 49. But this multitude, who know not the law, are accursed. 50.…
gillJohn 7:48: "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?"
Have any of the rulers,.... In the sanhedrim, or of the synagogues; or the civil magistrates, the noble, rich, and wealthy: or of the Pharisees, believed on him; men famous for wisdom, learning, and holiness. It must be owned, there were but very few of this sort, and perhaps not an instance of this kind had as yet occurred to them; there was Nicodemus, who is mentioned in the context, who was both a ruler and a Pharisee;…
Their scornful question reveals a dangerous way of thinking: that truth is determined by popularity or by the approval of those in power. They believed that if no important people had accepted Jesus, then he couldn't possibly be from God.
After Jesus speaks powerfully, some temple officers are sent to arrest Him but return empty-handed, confessing, "No one ever spoke like this man!" The religious authorities, stunned and angered, dismiss the officers' awe and scoff at the idea that the common people, whom they deem ignorant of the law, could discern truth. Then, Nicodemus, one of their own, cautiously defends Jesus by appealing to Jewish law, which prompts further scorn from his peers. This leads to the defiant question, implying that since no respected leaders have believed, Jesus must be a fraud.
After Jesus speaks powerfully, some temple officers are sent to arrest Him but return empty-handed, confessing, "No one ever spoke like this man!" The religious authorities, stunned and angered, dismiss the officers' awe and scoff at the idea that the common people, whom they deem ignorant of the law, could discern truth. Then, Nicodemus, one of their own, cautiously defends Jesus by appealing to Jewish law, which prompts further scorn from his peers. This leads to the defiant question, implying that since no respected leaders have believed, Jesus must be a fraud.
"Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?" — Their scornful question reveals a dangerous way of thinking: that truth is determined by popularity or by the approval of those in power. They believed that if no important people had accepted Jesus,…
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Last reviewed October 2026