ACC ~ John 19 v39

NICODEMUS A REPEAT VISITOR

AUGUSTINE: For Nicodemus had at first come to Jesus by night, as recorded by this same John in the earlier portions of his Gospel. [1] By the statement given us here, therefore, we are to understand that Nicodemus came to Jesus, not only then, but he might that he was a regular visitor afterward in order, by hearing, to become a disciple. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 120.4. [2]

[1] Jn 3:1-2.

[2] NPNF 1 7:435*.

THE MEANING OF JOSEPH AND NICODEMUS

AUGUSTINE: Joseph and Nicodemus buried him. As some people have explained their names, Joseph means “increased.” Because Nicodemus is a Greek name, many will know that it is a compound of “victory” and “people,” since nikos means “victory” and demos means “people.” So, who was increased by dying if not the one who said, “If the grain of wheat does not die, it remains alone. But if it dies, it is multiplied”? [1] And who by his very dying won a victory over the people who were persecuting him, if not the one who by his rising will sit in judgment on them? SERMON 218.15. [2]

[1] Jn 12:24.

[2] WSA 3 6:187*.

JESUS RECEIVES A BURIAL BEFITTING HIM

CHRYSOSTOM: Not one of the Twelve, but perhaps one of the seventy—for now, deeming that the anger of the Jews was quenched by the cross—approached without fear and took charge of his funeral. Joseph therefore came and asked the favor from Pilate, which he granted. And why should he not? Nicodemus also assists him and furnishes a costly burial. For they were still disposed to think of him as a mere man. And they brought those spices whose special nature is to preserve the body for a long time and not allow it quickly to yield to corruption, which was an act of people imagining nothing great respecting him. Nonetheless, they exhibited very loving affection. But how is it that not one of the Twelve came, neither John, nor Peter nor any other of the more distinguished disciples? Nor does the writer conceal this point. If anyone says that it was from fear of the Jews, these men also were occupied by the same fear. For Joseph too was, it says, “A secret [disciple] for fear of the Jews.” And no one can say that Joseph acted this way because he now had no fear of their power. Rather, he came despite his fear. But John, who was present and had seen him expire, did nothing of the kind. It seems to me that Joseph was a man of high rank (as is clear from the funeral) and known to Pilate, which is why he obtained the favor. And then he buried him, not as a criminal, but magnificently after the Jewish fashion, as some great and admirable person. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 85.3. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:320**.

PROPHECY OF TOMB

JEROME: Long before this sepulcher was hewn out by Joseph, its glory was foretold in Isaiah’s prediction, “His rest shall be glorious,” [1] meaning that the place of the Lord’s burial should be held in universal honor. LETTER 46.5. [2]

[1] Is 11:10.

[2] NPNF 2 6:62*.