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#7:52 Some manuscripts read the prophet does not come. from Galilee!”----------[The most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include John 7:53–8:11.]