Nicodemus

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Nikodēmos (“victory of the people”), reflecting a common Hellenized name in the period.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: John 3:1–21; John 7:45–52; John 19:38–42
• Key Connections: Jesus; the Pharisees; the Sanhedrin/Jewish ruling leadership; Joseph of Arimathea

Who was Nicodemus?

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and “ruler of the Jews,” indicating membership in Jerusalem’s leadership.
He came to Jesus by night and addressed him as a teacher from God.
Within the council, he appealed to due process regarding Jesus.
After Jesus’ crucifixion, he assisted in the burial with spices.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Met with Jesus privately and heard teaching on being “born again/from above” (John 3:1–21).
• Event 2: Questioned the council’s handling of Jesus by citing legal procedure (John 7:50–52).
• Event 3: Brought myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial and helped prepare the body with Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:39–42).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Nicodemus illustrates a movement from cautious inquiry toward public, costly association with Jesus.

Key Verse

"Nicodemus said to them (he who had gone to him before, and who was one of them), “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”" — John 7:50–51, ESV