A member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and secret disciple of Jesus who buried Jesus with Joseph of Aramathea.
About Nicodemus
Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin mentioned only in John’s Gospel (Jn 3:1–15; 7:50–52; 19:39–41). According to John 3, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and acknowledged him as a teacher sent by God. He was convinced that Jesus could not perform such things if God were not with him. Following an exchange concerning the need to be born again, Jesus asked how Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish religious court, could fail to understand such things. At that time he evidently made no profession of faith, but later he did defend Jesus before the Sanhedrin (7:50–52). After Jesus’ death, Nicodemus openly assisted Joseph of Arimathea with the burial of his body (19:39–42).
Some scholars suggest that Nicodemus was one of the Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus but did not confess him openly for fear of excommunication (12:42). Tradition subsequently held that he belonged to the household of faith, as one persuaded to believe through the message and deeds of Jesus, but remained intimidated by the religious establishment.
Key References
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked,
Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
All Scripture References (5)
John (5)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?”
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked,
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.