(conqueror of the people ), a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews and a teacher of Israel, ( John 3:1 John 3:10 ) whose secret visit to our Lord was the occasion of the discourse recorded only by St. John. In Nicodemus a noble candor and a simple love of truth shine out in the midst of hesitation and fear of man. He finally became a follower of Christ, and came with Joseph of Arimathaea to take down and embalm the body of Jesus.