“All that we know of Nicodemus in the Bible is from the Gospel of John. In John 3:1, he is described as a Pharisee. The Pharisees were a group of Jews who were fastidious in keeping the letter of the Law and often opposed Jesus throughout His ministry. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23). Saul of Tarsus (who became the apostle Paul) was also a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5).
John 3:1 also describes Nicodemus as a leader of the Jews. According to John 7:50–51, Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of the Jews. Each city could have a Sanhedrin, which functioned as the “lower courts.” Under Roman authority in the time of Christ, the Jewish nation was allowed a measure of self-rule, and the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem was the final court of appeals for matters regarding Jewish law and religion. This was the body that ultimately condemned Jesus, yet they had to get Pilate to approve their sentence since the death penalty was beyond their jurisdiction under Roman law. It appears that Nicodemus was part of the Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.”
The first time we see Nicodemus is when he went to meet with Jesus under cloak of darkness. “Daylight conversations between Pharisees and Jesus tended to be antagonistic, but Nicodemus wanted to learn what the Lord was all about. We don’t know a whole lot about Nicodemus, but we know that he left that evening’s encounter a changed man.”
“The next time we encounter Nicodemus in the Bible, he is functioning in his official capacity as a member of the Sanhedrin as they consider what to do about Jesus. In John 7, some Pharisees, and priests (presumably with authority to do so) sent some of the temple guard to arrest Jesus, but they return, unable to bring themselves to do it (see John 7:32–47). The guards are upbraided by the Pharisees in authority, but Nicodemus presents the opinion that Jesus should not be dismissed or condemned until they have heard from Him personally: ‘Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?’ (John 7:51). However, the rest of the Council rudely dismisses Nicodemus’s suggestion out of hand—they appear to have already made up their minds about Jesus.”
“Our last picture of Nicodemus shows him joining Joseph of Arimathea in asking for Jesus’ body in order to provide for its burial (John 19:39).” It was a risky, bold move that showed him to be steadily growing spiritually.
“God looks for steady growth, not instant perfection. How well does your present level of spiritual growth match up with the length of time you’ve known Jesus?”
Up next is answering the question, “Is Jesus God?” Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: https://www.gotquestions.org/Nicodemus-in-the-Bible.html, The Life Application Study Bible.
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