Ellen Chat Conversation

# Nicodemus's Role in the Early Church Ellen White's writings reveal that Nicodemus played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the early Christian movement, though his journey was marked by initial caution and gradual courage. ## A Cautious Beginning Nicodemus held "a high position of trust in the Jewish nation" and was {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"highly educated, and possessed talents of no ordinary character" (YI September 2, 1897, par. 2){{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}. Despite his prominence as "a chief ruler and a rabbi" (12MR 419.3), he initially approached Jesus secretly, coming "by night, as if afraid to have it known that his heart was troubled" (12MR 419.3). This nighttime visit resulted in one of the most significant conversations in Scripture, where Jesus taught him about spiritual rebirth. ## Hidden Discipleship Ellen White notes that Nicodemus became "a disciple of Christ" (12MR 419.3), though he struggled with public identification. She explains that "he had been among the number spoken of by John: 'Among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue'" (12MR 419.3). Yet even in this cautious state, "Nicodemus had endeavored, as far as he could, to defend Christ" (12MR 419.3). On one notable occasion, he challenged the Pharisees by asking, "Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?" (12MR 419.3). ## A Lasting Legacy Perhaps Nicodemus's most significant contribution to the early church was his relationship with John the apostle. Ellen White reveals that "Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by his pen it was recorded for the instruction of millions" (DA 177.2). This means the profound teachings about spiritual rebirth in John chapter 3 came directly from Nicodemus's personal testimony. She emphasizes that "the truths there taught are as important today as they were on that solemn night in the shadowy mountain, when the Jewish ruler came to learn the way of life from the lowly Teacher of Galilee" (DA 177.2). Through sharing his experience with John, Nicodemus ensured that his midnight conversation with Jesus would bless countless believers throughout history. His journey from secret seeker to defender of Christ, and finally to one who preserved vital spiritual truth, demonstrates how God can use even those who begin their faith journey with hesitation and fear. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the meaning of being "born again" that Jesus taught Nicodemus? • How did Ellen White describe the transformation that took place in Nicodemus's understanding during his conversation with Jesus? • What other examples did Ellen White give of prominent people who secretly believed in Jesus but feared public confession? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=Nicodemus)