John 3 - New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

3:1 Nicodemus (“Conqueror of the People”) was an influential and respected member of the Sanhedrin. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was thoroughly trained in Jewish law and theology; Jesus therefore called him a “teacher of Israel” (3:10).

3:2 Nicodemus may have come to Jesus at night because he was fearful of losing his reputation and position. More likely he was a particular example of those mentioned in 2:23; if so, his night visit would indicate a lack of certainty that Jesus was the Messiah Himself.

3:3, 4 The Greek word translated again can also be rendered “from above.” Nicodemus clearly understood it in the former sense, whereas Jesus had both meanings in mind. To enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again, not by experiencing a second biological birth but by spiritual birth from above.

3:3 See section 6 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

3:5 Water may refer to physical birth. The Hebrews used terms such as “water” and “drop” in describing natural birth, and such an explanation fits the context. However, some see a reference to the faith that is expressed in water baptism (not “for” but “because of” salvation). Spirit refers to the spiritual birth brought about by the renewing and transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

3:14 The deliverance from sin described in Num. 21:4–9 is a type of the Crucifixion.

3:16 The theme of this summary of the gospel is God’s love made manifest in an infinitely glorious manner. Only begotten can also be translated “unique” and is often used interchangeably with “beloved” (see Matt. 3:17). The remainder of John’s Gospel is given to demonstrating Jesus’ unique relationship to the Father.

3:22 Jesus baptized in water by means of His disciples (see 4:2).

3:29 The friend of the bridegroom was John the Baptist himself. His great joy was being privileged, as forerunner, to prepare the people for the heavenly Bridegroom.

3:31 John contrasts his own role with that of Jesus, asserting the supremacy of Jesus.

3:32–36 The testimony of Jesus is true and should be accepted as such. He Himself is of divine origin; He taught from His own divine experience. He received the Spirit in fullness, with nothing held back, and He alone has universal authority. However, since this enduement of the Holy Spirit is given to He whom God has sent, 20:21 would suggest a similar unlimited resource of Holy Spirit fullness is available to obedient disciples of His (Jesus).