3. Unbelief of the Jewish leaders (7:45-52)

The chapter ends with the opposition of the Jewish leaders to Jesus. Neither the awe he had inspired in the guards nor the appeal by Nicodemus (cf. 3:1; 19:39) to the fair play required by the law moved them. On the basis of what they thought was his place of origin (v.52; cf. 1:45-46), they dismissed him contemptuously from consideration.