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New Testament • Pharisee, Ruler of the Jews, Member of the Sanhedrin

Nicodemus

"Nicodemus represents the sincere seeker who moves from intellectual curiosity to genuine faith. His conversation with Jesus produced the most famous verse in the Bible — John 3:16 — and introduced the essential doctrine of being born again."

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Biblical Biography

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night to ask about His teachings. Jesus told him that a man must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Though initially confused, Nicodemus later defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51) and helped prepare His body for burial with costly spices (John 19:39-40), showing a growing faith that moved from secrecy to open devotion.

Life Timeline

c. 28 AD

Night Visit to Jesus

Learned about the new birth and God's love for the world (John 3:16).

Ref: John 3:1-21
c. 29 AD

Defended Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

Spoke up for fairness, asking that Jesus be heard before being judged.

Ref: John 7:50-51
c. 30 AD

Helped Prepare Jesus' Body for Burial

Brought 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes — an act of open devotion and great cost.

Ref: John 19:39-40

Key Scripture References

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:"

John 3:1 (KJV)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16 (KJV)

"Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) to Jesus: Gr. to him"

John 7:50 (KJV)

"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight."

John 19:39 (KJV)

Key Life Lessons

  • Faithfulness in small things leads to God's hand in large things.

  • Courage is not the absence of fear, but trust in God's presence.

  • Restoration is always possible through sincere repentance.

Key Relationships

PersonRelation
JesusTeacher / Lord
Joseph of ArimatheaAlly in Burial

Metadata Fast Facts

Lifespan / Era
1st Century AD
Primary Testament
New Testament
Notable Occupation
Pharisee, Ruler of the Jews, Member of the Sanhedrin

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