'Rulers' in the Bible

Now there was among the Pharisees a man named Nicodemus, who was one of the rulers of the Jews.

But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before and who was one of the rulers, said,

Nevertheless 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: