37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke : " Lord , WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT ? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE Lord BEEN REVEALED ?" 39 For this reason they could not believe , for Isaiah said again , 40 " HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART , SO e THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART , AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM" 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory , and he spoke of Him.
42 Nevertheless e many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear e that they would be put out of the synagogue ; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 12:37-43
Commentary on John 12:37-43
(Read John 12:37-43)
Observe the method of conversion implied here. Sinners are brought to see the reality of Divine things, and to have some knowledge of them. To be converted, and truly turned from sin to Christ, as their Happiness and Portion. God will heal them, will justify and sanctify them; will pardon their sins, which are as bleeding wounds, and mortify their corruptions, which are as lurking diseases. See the power of the world in smothering convictions, from regard to the applause or censure of men. Love of the praise of men, as a by-end in that which is good, will make a man a hypocrite when religion is in fashion, and credit is to be got by it; and love of the praise of men, as a base principle in that which is evil, will make a man an apostate, when religion is in disgrace, and credit is to be lost for it.