There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
JOHN 3:1-3 NKJV
John 3:1 The phrase ruler of the Jews indicates that Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish council, the group that had sent a committee to investigate John the Baptist (1:24). Nicodemus no doubt knew that John the Baptist had denied being the Messiah (1:20), but had said that the Messiah was present (1:26, 27).
John 3:2 The fact that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night may reveal the timidity of his faith (12:42); however, his faith was developing (7:50, 51; 19:39).
John 3:3 born again: The Greek word translated “again” can mean either “from above” or “anew.” The new birth, or regeneration (Titus 3:5), is the act by which God imparts spiritual life to one who trusts Christ. Without this spiritual birth, a person cannot perceive spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:10, 13–16), nor can he or she enter the kingdom of God (v. 5).
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