Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 3:1

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:" — John 3:1 (ASV)

Nicodemus is introduced as a man of the upper class, conservative in his beliefs, and definitely interested in Jesus’ teaching. As a Pharisee he belonged to the strict religious sect of Judaism in contrast to the Sadducees, who were less rigid in their beliefs and were more politically minded. As a member of the “ruling council” or Sanhedrin, he was sensitive to the prevailing doctrinal trends of the time. His interest in Jesus had been prompted by the miracles he had witnessed, and he came for an interview to obtain more information. His approach shows that he was cautious, open-minded, and ready to receive a new revelation from God if he was sure of its genuineness.

The fact that he came by night does not necessarily mean that he was timid, though in the light of the later references to him in this gospel, he does not seem to have been aggressive in his discipleship (7:45–52; 19:38–42). His salutation was courteous, and he showed no sign of hostility.