John 7:41-52

41Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee?

42For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.”

43So the crowd was divided about him.

44Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

45When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

46“We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.

47“Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked.

48“Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him?

49This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!”

50Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up.

51“Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.

52They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!” ---------- [The most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include John 7:53–8:11.]