John 3 Bible Study

Who was "Nicodemus" (John 3:1)?
Nicodemus was both “a man of the Pharisees” and “a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1).

What does Nicodemus being “a man of the Pharisees” (John 3:1) mean?
Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees sect within Judaism (see Pharisees).

What is meant by Nicodemus being “a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1)?
Nicodemus was also one of the seventy or so members of the Sanhedrin, the political-judicial-religious council that ruled Israel at this time.

Didn’t the Romans rule Israel at this time? And wasn’t there also a king named Herod?
The Sanhedrin ruled under the supervision of Herod, who was subservient to the Roman Emperor, who had appointed him to rule over the region that included Israel (see King Herod and Augustus Caesar). The Roman Emperor was represented by the Roman governor and backed the Roman legion that was stationed in the region (see When was Jesus born?).

What did Nicodemus mean by “we” (John 3:2)?
He could have been referring to the entire Sanhedrin and/or Pharisees sect, in which case Nicodemus had been dispatched by one or both groups. Given how vehemently both groups opposed Jesus, however, the sentiments Nicodemus expressed above are unlikely to represent those of either group. The “we” is more likely to refer to a smaller group that includes Nicodemus and one or more Pharisee and/or member of the Sanhedrin on whose behalf Nicodemus had come. It is also possible that one or more of them could be accompanying Nicodemus.

Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus “by night” (John 3:2)?
He most likely didn’t want to be seen by too many people.

Why not?
Nicodemus was one of Israel’s top judge, politician and religious leader. Being seen with, let alone going to see, a street preacher who was doing and saying non-traditional things could lend credibility to those things and tarnish Nicodemus’ reputation.

How would you characterize Nicodemus’ opening words to Jesus?
They sound fairly gracious and respectful. He addresses Jesus as “Rabbi” and calls Him not only a “teacher” but one “from God” (John 3:2).

Are Nicodemus’ opening words correct?
Not quite. Jesus IS God, not a teacher from God.

How might Nicodemus have expected Jesus to reply?
Given the disparity in their social status, Nicodemus may have expected Jesus to show some appreciation for the compliments he offered.

Does Jesus live up to his expectations?
See next page.