Nicodemus ben Gurion

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Nicodemus ben Gurion was a wealthy Jew who lived in Jerusalem in the 1st century CE. He is widely believed to be identical to the Nicodemus mentioned in the Gospel of John.[1]

Ben Gurion means "son of Gurion" in Hebrew and his real name was apparently "Bunai", but he acquired the nickname "Nicodemus", meaning "conqueror of the people" (from νίκη and δῆμος) because of a miraculous answer to a prayer he made.[2]

Nicodemus appears to have been a wealthy and respected figure, known for his holiness and generosity. He was an opponent of the Zealots and of the rebellion against Rome which led to the destruction of Jerusalem.[3]

When Vespasianus became emperor, Nicodemus sought peace with the emperor's son Titus, who was conducting the war. He agitated against the prosecution of the war by the Zealots. In retaliation, they destroyed the stores of provisions that he and his friends had accumulated for the use of pilgrims.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Nicodemus", Jewish Encyclopedia
  2. ↑ Hastings'Dictionary of the New Testament
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Nicodemus ben Gorion", Jewish Encyclopedia
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