Augustine of Hippo, on John 7:40

“Of that multitude therefore, when they had heard these words of his, some said: This is the prophet indeed.”

“(Tract. xxxiii. 1) He was not unbelieving, but fearful; and therefore came by night to the light, wishing to be enlightened, but afraid of being known to go. He replies, Doth our law judge any man before it hear him, and know what he doeth? He thought that, if they would only hear Him patiently, they would be overcome, as the officers had been. But they preferred obstinately condemning Him, to knowing the truth.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.