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All we know about Nicodemus is what the Gospel of John tells us (3:1ff.; 7:50; 19:39). This prominent Jew held a conversation with Jesus at night. He was apparently one of those influenced by Jesus' signs at the feast (2:23). At any rate, his opening words (v.2) were favorable toward Jesus. That the interview was at night may be simply circumstantial; we know that the rabbis sometimes conducted their discussions until late in the evening. Perhaps Nicodemus either could not meet Jesus during the day or because of timidity did not want to. Or the words may possess a wider Johannine significance and indicate the darkness in which all dwell who are apart from the true Light (cf. 8:12; 9:4-5; 11:9-10; 13:30).
Nicodemus opened by acknowledging that Jesus' miraculous works revealed his origin in God and endorsement by God. In response Jesus maintained that the object of Jewish desire, the kingdom of God, was unattainable without rebirth. The Greek behind this has two possible meanings, either “born again” or “born from above.” From what follows, it is clear that, while Jesus was thinking of spiritual birth, Nicodemus understood him to be speaking of a simple physical rebirth and was understandably incredulous. Jesus explained and expanded. Here again we see the common Johannine pattern of statement, misunderstanding, and an explanation that brings understanding.
First, Jesus stated again that rebirth from the Spirit is the prerequisite for entry into the kingdom of God (v.5). This means conversion, which marks Christians off from non-Christians. The meaning of water is debated; it refers either to natural birth or baptism. Jesus was speaking of something that can be received and understood only spiritually (vv.7-8). (These verses were expounded by John Wesley in his sermons on new birth [sermon no. 18: vol. 5, pp. 212-23; sermon no. 45: vol. 6, pp. 65-77], and again in his disquisition on the doctrine of original sin [vol. 9, pp. 404-9, 438].)
Second, (vv.10-13), the true interpreter of heavenly matters is the Son of Man, who came from there. But how can he speak directly of heavenly matters when he has not been believed even when using earthly terms to explain spiritual realities?
Third, he is also the source of life and light (vv.14-21), which all who believe in him receive. Those who do not believe love darkness and are self-condemned.
Lifted up (v.14) refers to the events at the end of Jesus' life, which are at once crucifixion and exaltation (cf. 8:28 and 12:32). Jn 3:16, perhaps the bestknown biblical text in the history of the church, is an excellent summation of both John and the Gospel of Christ. Adam Clarke devoted considerable space to expounding the verse in exactly these terms in his commentary (p. 533). Thus the brief narrative portion of this text prepares the way for profound teaching.