For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
Commentaries
3:1 - 3:21
Jesus and Nicodemus.
Nicodemus trusts Jesus only because of the signs he has seen; he has no faith, only opinions (2). He symbolizes shameful Christians: believers who hide their faith out of fear of losing their comfort and even their own lives.
The Mystery of New Birth (3-9). Jesus explains that being born again is essential to see the kingdom of God. It’s not just a simple change but a new beginning—trusting in him signifies this new birth. It is the Spirit who acts as the agent of this new birth or the birth of faith through his life-giving power.
Revelation of the Redemptive Mystery (10-21). Jesus can speak of these mysteries because He knows them. No one has ascended into heaven; only Jesus, who was in the bosom of the Father, knows those realities and “has descended” to reveal them. Verse 16 is the peak of the entire dialogue, a supreme expression. The Father’s love has set the whole history of salvation in motion. In the light of Jesus Christ, humanity is divided: some prefer darkness, and this existential choice leads to judgment; others accept the truth of Jesus Christ and, as a result, come into communion with Him and receive salvation.
Commentaries
Jesus and Nicodemus.
Nicodemus trusts Jesus only because of the signs he has seen; he has no faith, only opinions (2). He symbolizes shameful Christians: believers who hide their faith out of fear of losing their comfort and even their own lives.
The Mystery of New Birth (3-9). Jesus explains that being born again is essential to see the kingdom of God. It’s not just a simple change but a new beginning—trusting in him signifies this new birth. It is the Spirit who acts as the agent of this new birth or the birth of faith through his life-giving power.
Revelation of the Redemptive Mystery (10-21). Jesus can speak of these mysteries because He knows them. No one has ascended into heaven; only Jesus, who was in the bosom of the Father, knows those realities and “has descended” to reveal them. Verse 16 is the peak of the entire dialogue, a supreme expression. The Father’s love has set the whole history of salvation in motion. In the light of Jesus Christ, humanity is divided: some prefer darkness, and this existential choice leads to judgment; others accept the truth of Jesus Christ and, as a result, come into communion with Him and receive salvation.