John 3:1

There was a man Better, Now there was a man. The conjunction shows the connexion with what precedes: Nicodemus was one of the -many" who -believed in His name," when they beheld His signs (John 2:23).

Nicodemus He is mentioned only by S. John. It is impossible to say whether he is identical with the Nicodemus of the Talmud, also called Bunai, who survived the destruction of Jerusalem. The name was common both among Greeks and Jews. Love of truth and fear of man, candour and hesitation, seem to be combined in his character. Comp. John 7:50; John 19:39. In John 19:39 his timidity is again noted and illustrated.

a ruler of the Jews A member of the Sanhedrin, John 7:50. Comp. John 12:42; Luke 23:13; Luke 24:20. His coming by night is to avoid the hostility of his colleagues: the Sanhedrin was opposed to Jesus. Whether or no S. John was present at the interview we cannot be certain: probably he was. Nicodemus would not fear the presence of the disciples.