What does John 7:52 mean?
The Pharisees attempted to have Jesus arrested (John 7:32). However, men sent on this mission came back commenting on how unique Jesus' words were (John 7:46). This sends the Pharisees into a rage. They are incensed that anyone could doubt their opinions. In direct terms, these religious authorities claim that anyone who disagrees with them must, by definition, be wrong (John 7:48). They claim those who lack their level of knowledge are cursed into spiritual error (John 7:49). However, one of their own, Nicodemus (John 3:1–2), points out that Jesus should be given a fair hearing before being dismissed as a fraud (John 7:51). Rather than accepting their own law, which makes that very demand (Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 1:16–17; Proverbs 18:13), the other Pharisees turn on Nicodemus.Remarking about Nicodemus and Galilee is meant to be an insult. As this passage shows, Jerusalem's Pharisees considered themselves well above the common people. This was mostly by virtue of education. However, there was also a cultural basis. Most Pharisees were from the relatively urban Jerusalem area. They instinctively saw people from the surrounding, more rural areas, as backwards low-class peasants. Suggesting that Nicodemus is "from Galilee, too," is the equivalent of calling him a rube or insulting his family. This is how hatefully arrogant the Pharisees are with respect to Jesus: they ignore their own laws while calling each other names.
Ironically, Scripture does refer to a prophet from Galilee. According to traditional accounts, Jonah (Jonah 1:1) was from that region. Second Kings 14:25 says Jonah was the son of Amittai from Gath-Hepher. Joshua 19:13–15 indicates that Geth-Hepher was in Zebulun's old territory, the same region later known as Galilee.
Jesus has already pointed out that the Scriptures point to Him as the Messiah (John 5:39–47). Yet those determined not to believe will never be convinced by evidence (John 7:17).
John 7:37–52 shows how Jesus' public ministry challenges the traditional views of Judaism. This causes infighting among both the people and the Jewish leaders themselves. The people hear His words, see His miracles, and begin to wonder if Jesus really is the Promised One. Once again, the religious leaders attempt to arrest Jesus, but the officers are so impressed by His words that they leave Him alone. When Nicodemus, a Pharisee, makes a plea for due process, he is mocked and his suggestion is ignored. Moments such as this will eventually lead the Jewish leaders to extreme measures against Jesus.
Six months after the feeding of thousands, and the public debate which followed, Jesus plans to attend the Feast of Booths, also called the Festival of Tabernacles. Rather than going publicly, He chooses to arrive privately, and after His family. While teaching and preaching there, Jesus once again comes into conflict with local religious leaders. The crowds take note of His profound words, history of miracles, and the inability of the religious leaders to silence Him. This causes the people to openly question their spiritual leaders. This embarrassment is a milestone in the effort to permanently silence Jesus.
