New Testament · character
Nicodemus
A leader who came to Jesus by night — the man who heard of being "born again."
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader and Pharisee who came to Jesus by night and heard about being "born again." He later became a quiet disciple who helped with Jesus' burial.
Timeline at a glance
- The Night ConversationTeaching about being born again (John 3)
- The DefenseSpeaking up for Jesus before the council (John 7)
- The BurialComing with spices to help (John 19)
A Question in the Night
A member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, seemingly mindful of his reputation. Jesus gave him the startling word, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3).
Being Born Again and John 3:16
In this conversation comes the most famous verse in the Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." Being born again is not human effort but new life from above.
Quiet Courage
Nicodemus defended Jesus before the council, urging that he not be condemned without a hearing (John 7), and after Jesus' death he came with spices to help with the burial (John 19). A faith that began in the night grew quietly.
Related verses
Frequently asked questions
What does being "born again" mean?
It means receiving new life from above, as if being born anew. It shows that even a religiously devout person like Nicodemus must be renewed by God's grace, not by his own effort.