A Contrast Between Nicodemus And John The Baptist In The Gospel Of John -- By: Keith Vande Vrede

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 57:4 (Dec 2014)
Article: A Contrast Between Nicodemus And John The Baptist In The Gospel Of John
Author: Keith Vande Vrede


A Contrast Between Nicodemus And John The Baptist In The Gospel Of John

Keith Vande Vrede*

* Keith Vande Vrede is a Ph.D. student at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, 3101 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220.

I. Introduction

A strong connection between Nicodemus and John the Baptist is made apparent through a study of their introductions in 1:6–8, 3:1–2, and John’s repetition of Jesus’ monologue with Nicodemus (3:11–12) at 3:31–32. First, a close look at the introductions of the Baptist and Nicodemus reveals remarkable similarities. It will be shown that the structure and literary repetition invites the reader to set the two characters in contrast, particularly in their relation to Jesus. Second, after the Nicodemus narrative, the Baptist appears again (3:23–36), repeating to his disciples the same concepts that Jesus presented to Nicodemus, further establishing their contrast. If the connection can be firmly established, it will show that John the Baptist is crucial to the interpretation of the character of Nicodemus and his discourse with Jesus and subsequent appearances.

II. Common Introductions

When discussing the introduction of Nicodemus, commentators usually focus on three things: his relation to the preceding transition (2:23–25), his involvement with the religious leaders as ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων and ἄρχων τῶν Ἰουδαίων, and the significance of his coming at “night” (νυκτός). However, all of them fail to see the introduction’s striking similarities to the introduction of John the Baptist (1:6–8).1

Some scholars like Johannes Beutler have noted some of the stylistic parallels that will be presented here but do not consider their implications.2 If the connections can be made, it will show that the Gospel writer expected his readers to recall the ministry of John as presented thus far and juxtapose it to Nicodemus’s encounter with Jesus.

The Fourth Evangelist introduces the Baptist in 1:6–8. Many scholars argue that these verses, along with verse You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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