John 3:1

Nicodemus. A Greek name meaning “conqueror of the people.” By NT times many Jews had adopted Greek names. The disciples Andrew, Philip, Didymus, and Alphaeus bore such names. Nicodemus was a man of wealth, a Pharisee, and a member of the national council, the Sanhedrin.

The chapter division obscures the relationship of the narrative of ch. 3 to the closing verses of ch. 2. The interview with Nicodemus illustrates the statement of ch. 2:25, that Jesus “knew what was in man” (see on ch. 3:3). He recognized in this leader a sincere seeker for truth, one to whom He could “commit” a clearer and more complete knowledge of His mission than He could to most men (ch. 2:24). Nicodemus was a noteworthy exception to the general principle stated in ch. 2:24, 25. Thus, at the very beginning of His public ministry, Jesus won a friend whose influence providentially thwarted the plans of the leaders to bring His labors to an untimely close (see ch. 7:50, 51; cf. ch. 19:39; DA 176, 460).

A ruler. That is, a member of the Sanhedrin (see p. 67).

The Jews. See on ch. 1:19.