Nicodemus the Pharisee

The Bible reveals that Nicodemus was a "man of the Pharisees" with considerable power and wealth. The Pharisees were the most powerful and influential religious sect in Israel during the time of Jesus. Their main policy was strict observance to the law of Moses, and they did this by constructing volumes of traditions and rules on how to observe the law. When Jesus saw the Pharisees putting their traditions above the Word of God, and teaching it to the people, He denounced them as hypocrites who wear a mask, and are nothing but blind guides. Yet there were certain Pharisees who were noble men, and truly seeking after God with a good heart. It is certain that Nicodemus was one of these Pharisees, who was looking for the redemption in Israel. The Gospel of John reveals that later Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus, and defended Him during His trial, and also with Joseph of Aramathea brought expensive spices to anoint the body of Jesus for burial, and they also provided a new tomb.  

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him by night, and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God [as] a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." - John 3:1