Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?

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Nicodemus was a Pharisee who was interested in learning more about Jesus.

Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was made up of Pharisees, people who were known for their legalistic teachings of the Old Testament. They expected everyone to follow unrealistic rules. Jesus often went against the Pharisees and told them that what they were doing was not right. Most of the Pharisees did not like Jesus, but Nicodemus wanted to learn more about Jesus.

One night, Nicodemus meets with Jesus and asks him questions. In this conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that all people have to be born again (John 3:3). Nicodemus thinks this is a ridiculous idea, yet Jesus corrects him. Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order for a person to have salvation, they have to be born again. How are they born again? By placing faith in Jesus (John 3:16-17).

We see Nicodemus again after Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19). Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea with Jesus’ burial. He brought spices to help prepare Jesus’ body for burial. He also helped Joseph wrap Jesus’ body and place Him in the tomb. Nicodemus provided 75 pounds of spices to wrap Jesus’ body, which showed he had great respect for Jesus. We don’t know if Nicodemus became a believer, but it is highly possible he did place faith in Jesus.

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"There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He was one of the Jewish rulers. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. We know that God is with you. If he weren’t, you couldn’t do the signs you are doing'" (John 3:1-2).

"Jesus replied, 'What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can see God’s kingdom unless they are born again'" (John 3:3).

"Nicodemus went with Joseph. He was the man who had earlier visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought some mixed spices that weighed about 75 pounds. The two men took Jesus’ body. They wrapped it in strips of linen cloth, along with the spices. That was the way the Jews buried people" (John 19:39-40).