Among the chief rulers were many who were convinced that Christ was indeed the Messiah; but, in face of the angry priests and Pharisees, they dared not confess their faith, lest they should be turned out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the approval of God; and to save themselves from reproach and shame, denied Christ, and lost their only chance of eternal life. To this class the words of Christ were specially applicable: “He that loveth his life shall lose it.” {3SP 76.1}

Der var mange blandt de øverste, som var overbeviste om, at Kristus i sandhed var Messias; men de turde ikke bekende sin tro i de forbitrede præsters og farisæeres nærværelse; thi de frygtede for at blive udstødte af synagogen. De elskede menneskers ære mere end Guds ære, og for at undgå skam og foragt fornægtede de Kristus og mistede den eneste lejlighed, de havde, til at opnå evigt liv. Kristi ord var især anvendelig på denne klasse: "Den, som elsker sit liv, mister det."