Gospel of John, Chapter 3

The Gospel Philosophy The author uses "Philosophy" here not in the modern sense, but to describe a complete worldview or "wisdom" rooted in the teachings of Christ. is entirely spiritual. Although it is presented through physical words, one must nevertheless judge such words spiritually and according to the nature of heavenly things. The old things have passed away; they have all become New in Christ—including the concepts of Father, Birth, Child, Seed, Water, Bread, Wine, Way, Door, Shepherd, Vine, and others, etc.

ᵇ Nicodemus, an earnest man among the Jews, but at that time still without the Spirit of God.

There was a man among the Pharisees named ᵇ Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews.

ᶜ Human fear often prevents the confession of truth; however, he became ever stronger.

ᶜ An un-reborn person is darkness, night, death, sin, and damnation.

He came to Jesus by ᶜ night Nicodemus’s visit at night is traditionally interpreted as a sign of his fear of the other Jewish leaders, or symbolically as his state of spiritual "darkness" before being enlightened by Christ. and said to him: "Master,

ᵈ Not all Pharisees knew this, however.

ᵈ Consider here two kinds of knowledge: the faith and knowing of reason, and that of the spirit. Nicodemus's knowledge of Christ was still human and not spiritual.

we ᵈ know that you are a

ᵉ Nicodemus speaks of Christ as a Prophet; he does not yet take him for the promised Messiah, but is eager to learn from Christ.

ᵉ teacher come from God; for no one can do the signs that you do, unless God is with him." Jesus answered: "Truly, truly,

ᶠ I, who am the truth and the Son of God.

ᶠ I say to you: Unless someone is born from

ᵍ From above—that is, out of God, through a spiritual birth.

ᵍ above original: "Oben" — The Greek word used in the original Gospel text, anothen, can mean both "again" and "from above." The author here emphasizes the heavenly origin of this birth.,"