“Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?
The expected answer to this question is negative, but in reality and unknown to the Pharisees and rulers (Sadducees), was instead positive. Nicodemus and perhaps others were secretly followers of Jesus (Mat 9:18, John 4:46-47, 53, 12:42). This reaction of the Pharisees gives us insight into the reason Nicodemus came to Jesus at night (John 3:1-2). The Sadducees and Pharisees see their power slipping away from them; even their temple guards are beginning to disobey them. This combined with their pride produced their reaction.
Mat 9:18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”
John 4:46-47, 53 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. . . . Then the father realised that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.
Joh 12:42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
They wanted the people to follow them as they followed God, but they were blind guides. Be careful to not make other people the ones you follow. God gives them to you for your benefit, but you must follow Christ and to do that, you must listen to Him for yourself.