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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Religious Figure

Nicodemus

Nicodemus is a New Testament figure mentioned only in the Gospel of John.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Nicodemus is a New Testament figure mentioned only in the Gospel of John. He was a Pharisee and Jewish leader who visited Jesus at night and later helped with his burial.

What it is

Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John as a Pharisee and leader of the Jews, often associated with the Sanhedrin. He is a key figure in John's narrative of Jesus' ministry, portrayed as an educated, cautious inquirer.

Key details

Nicodemus visits Jesus at night in John 3 to discuss spiritual rebirth. In John 7, he cautions the council against condemning Jesus without a hearing. Finally, in John 19, he helps Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus' body for burial. Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions often regard him as a secret disciple.

Why it matters

Scholars cannot securely identify Nicodemus with a known historical person, but his biblical role illustrates themes of hesitant faith and eventual action. He is venerated as a saint in several Christian traditions and remains a figure of interest in biblical studies.

In short

  • Only appears in the Gospel of John
  • Visits Jesus at night and discusses being born again
  • Defends Jesus before the council and helps bury him
  • Venerated as a saint in some Christian traditions
Canadian angle

Nicodemus is mainly relevant to Canadian readers through Christian scripture, church teaching, and biblical studies in Canadian schools, churches, and faith communities.

Quick questions

Who was Nicodemus?
A Pharisee and Jewish leader in the Gospel of John who met Jesus at night, defended him, and helped bury him.
Where does Nicodemus appear in the Bible?
He appears only in John 3, John 7, and John 19.
Was Nicodemus a disciple of Jesus?
John does not explicitly call him a disciple, but Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition often treat him as a secret follower.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus
    Supports: Nicodemus as a New Testament figure; Pharisee; possible secret disciple; venerated in some Christian traditions; only in John.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicodemus
    Supports: Nicodemus in John; Pharisee and ruler of the Jews; only three mentions; historical identity uncertain.
  3. BibleGateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Nicodemus
    Supports: Nicodemus as a Pharisee and later disciple of Jesus; only NT figure with the name; little else known.
  4. Catholic Answers — https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/nicodemus
    Supports: Nicodemus as a prominent Jew mentioned in John; connection to Sanhedrin; later tradition and relics.