Not all Pharisees refused to believe. Some of the men reasoned, “How can a man who is a sinner do such things?” (John 9:16). A seed had been planted deep in their hearts. We saw one of these men in Nicodemus in chapters 3 and 7. We will see him again in chapter 19 along with Joseph of Arimathea. The believing Pharisees are also mentioned in John 12:42-43.
Those who did believe were divided into two groups; the group that followed Jesus, even if it was in secret (John 3:1; 7:50-53; 19:38) and those who believed but did nothing about it (John 12:42).
It is not enough to believe. We must act (James 2:17, 22-25). However, we cannot see into other people’s hearts. We can recognize most mature believers but other persons remain a mystery. Was the seed recently planted or is it about to pop through the soil of faith?
Paul gives us excellent advice. “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
