There were two issues today: First, given that thousands were turning to Christ, were they all realistically afraid of reprisal from the Priesthood. The issue was determined to the satisfaction of most as, while actually processing and punishing large numbers of people could be impractical, a large number could be threatened by the possibility that any one of them might be selected for punishment as an example to others. Even Nicodemus, a high official, had to meet with Jesus at night to avoid being seen. The fear of being singled out is alive today and still works extremely well.
The Second issue was in response to John quoting Isaiah 6:10 as having reported that God "...blinded their eyes, hardened their hearts, etc." and yet, two verses later, it says many believed. Those versus seemed in conflict but while the NIV version says,"...He has blinded their eyes...," which sounds, especially in the NIV version which starts with "He," like God decided to make them unable to believe; other versions read, "be ever seeing and not perceiving..." which allows for a conclusion, especially when paired with verse John 12:42, that God provided them with choices and their failure to see past their own self interest was leading to their destruction. It is important to remember that verse 40 and 42 are about 700 years apart. God gave man free will as is proved by those who reject him.
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