Topical Encyclopedia Public opinion, the collective attitude or belief of the general populace, plays a significant role in the narrative of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, as depicted in the New Testament. Nicodemus is introduced in the Gospel of John, where his interactions with Jesus reveal the tension between personal conviction and societal pressure.Nicodemus first appears in John 3:1-21, where he visits Jesus at night. This nocturnal visit is significant, as it suggests Nicodemus's fear of public opinion and the potential repercussions of being seen with Jesus, who was a controversial figure among the Jewish leaders. The Gospel of John states, "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him'" (John 3:1-2). Nicodemus's approach under the cover of darkness indicates his apprehension about openly associating with Jesus, reflecting the influence of public opinion on his actions. The fear of public opinion is further highlighted in John 7:45-52, where Nicodemus attempts to defend Jesus during a meeting of the Sanhedrin. When the chief priests and Pharisees express their intent to arrest Jesus, Nicodemus cautiously interjects, "Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?" (John 7:51). His question is met with derision, as the other leaders retort, "Are you from Galilee too? Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee" (John 7:52). This exchange underscores the pressure Nicodemus faced from his peers, who were dismissive of any defense of Jesus, further illustrating the power of public opinion within the religious elite. Nicodemus's journey culminates in John 19:38-42, where he assists Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of Jesus. The text notes, "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds" (John 19:39). This act of devotion, performed after Jesus's crucifixion, suggests a shift in Nicodemus's willingness to act according to his beliefs, despite the potential for public censure. By participating in the burial, Nicodemus demonstrates a departure from his earlier fear, choosing to honor Jesus openly. Throughout these accounts, Nicodemus's interactions with Jesus and his fellow Pharisees reveal the pervasive influence of public opinion on individual actions and decisions. His initial fear and subsequent courage highlight the internal struggle faced by those who seek to reconcile personal faith with societal expectations. Nave's Topical Index John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. Nave's Topical Index Library The Basis for Community Service The Feast at Simon's House Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. Jesus and the Blind Man. Priestly Plottings The Life of Christ. The Prayer of Faith. Marks of a True Conversion Hindrances to Revivals. Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. Resources What is the definition of heresy? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Is God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.org Opinion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Public Opinion: Concessions To by Paul, in Circumcising Timothy Public Opinion: Concessions to Disciples, Who Urged Circumcision Public Opinion: Concessions to Peter and Barnabas With Others Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Felix and Festus, Concerning Paul Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Herod (Antipas), in the Case of John the Baptist Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Peter, Concerning Jesus Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To by Pilate Public Opinion: Corrupt Yielding To of Peter Public Opinion: Feared by Chief Preists, Who Feared to Further Persecute the Disciples Public Opinion: Feared by Chief Priests, Who Feared to Answer the Questions of Jesus Public Opinion: Feared by Joseph of Arimathaea Public Opinion: Feared by Nicodemus Public Opinion: Feared by Rulers, Who Believed in Jesus, But Feared the Pharisees Public Opinion: Feared by The Parents of the Man Who Was Born Blind Public Opinion: Jesus Inquires About Related Terms |
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