Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night (John 3), stepped out and took the body of Jesus after His crucifixion, along with Joseph of Arimathea. A member of the Sanhedrin, handling a dead body on the High Passover, was unthinkable.
I have always wondered about the rest of Nicodemus' life. He is not mentioned anymore in the New Testament nor is he referred to historically, to my knowledge.
Did he become a Christian and renounce his Jewish position? Was he kicked out of the Sanhedrin? Or did he just think that Jesus was a great teacher and continue in his leadership position?
Not sure about an answer, but just an interesting thought.
ReplyDeleteThe KJV is great b/c it says "ye" for plural you. If you read it carefully, YES Nicodemus came by night, but it does not say it was b/c he was scared of being seen. We've added that part b/c it seems logical at first glance. When you look closer, however, notice how the passage words it. Nicodemus was called a ruler of the Jews (as in individual), but connected here with a group. Not a Pharisee, but a man OF the Pharisees. There can be many meanings to what "of" means, but in this case, I think it is connecting His coming with the Pharisees. Why?
Notice he doesn't say "I know you are a teacher sent from God." He said, "WE" know you are a teacher sent from God. He spoke on behalf of himself and others. Which others? Since the passage opens with "A man of the Pharisees", this is most likely the "we" to which he refers. Still not convinced?
Notice verse 7. Jesus doesn't reply "you" Nicodemus must be born again. No, it says "Ye". This was plural.
So I don't have an answer to your question, but I do believe there were more of the Pharisees who believed Jesus was a teacher sent from God other than Nicodemus.
To your question, my opinion is he was saved, and a secret disciple. Same goes for Joseph of Arimethea. The problem is, a secret disciple hasn't forsaken his previous life, and therefore is out of God's will.