John 3.1 NICODEMUS: THE PHARISEE, THE RULER

Nicodemus (Nic) mentioned in the Word of God
     He is only mentioned by name in the gospel of John. Three of the five mentions are in chapter 3: verses 1, 4, and 9. Then, in chapter 7.50, and in chapter 19 verse 39.
Meaning
      Scofield Bible: does not really give a meaning to his name, but only lists the references of where his name is found, and also, that he was a Pharisee and a ruler. That much we know from verse one.
     Hitchcock's Bible Names: the definition given is victory of the people. I'm still working on understanding how Nic's name and its meaning relates to the passage, or any in which he is mentioned. Perhaps it does not. I have learned that what does not make sense to me now, may later become illuminated with further study. We shall see.
Occupation
      Verse 1 is rather obscure on this point (not!): Nic was a Pharisee and a ruler. 
      A pharisee, according to Hitchcock's, is set apart.
      From the FreeDictionary, we get the following definition:
     a member of an ancient Jewish group that carefully observed the written law but also accepted the oral, or traditional, law, advocated democratization of religious practices, etc
    Of course, the best way to get the meaning of Pharisee, is to read thru the gospels and Acts of the Apostles, and understand it from the context.
     He was also a ruler. A leader and one in authority, but over who, and how much authority? Sticking to John's gospel, we know that he had enough  authority to sway the decision of other Pharisees (John 7.50). He has enough authority to walk the street at night and visit Jesus. In fact, he may have been sent as a delegate. Note v2, and his use of the word, 'we.'
      In these two positions, the common people would have looked up to him, and possibly admired him.  He would have been well versed in Old Testament scripture, and it was expected of him to guide others, either correctly or incorrectly. Note the many exchanges between Jesus & the Pharisees in this and all the other gospels.
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Until next time,
K.