Joseph of Arimathea

April 27, 2008

By Jeremy J. Main

     What does the Bible teach about Joseph of Arimathea and his relationship to Jesus? A careful comparison of the gospel accounts reveals much (Matt. 27:57-58; Mark 15:42-45; Luke 23:50-52; John 19:31-38 NKJV).

     First, we learn when Joseph came to procure the body of Jesus. Mark wrote that “it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath” (Mark 15:42). Given that the Sabbath Day was Saturday, Joseph came for the body on Friday. In addition, we know that Joseph came for the body “when evening had come” (Matt. 27:57). Not only do we know the day, and the particular portion of the day, but also the general time of day upon which Joseph came for the body. Jesus was crucified on “the third hour” (Mark 15:25) and breathed His last on “the ninth hour” (Mark 15:33-37), corresponding to our 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Furthermore, we may know that the procurement occurred shortly after Jesus’ death (John 19:30-38). Unaware that Jesus had already died, the Jews asked Pilate that His legs might be broken, in order to hasten His death (John 19:31). Also unaware that Jesus had already died, Pilate granted their request (John 19:32). It was not until the soldiers went to Jesus, that they “saw that He was already dead” (John 19:33). One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear to confirm His death (John 19:34). After this, Joseph asked Pilate for the body (John 19:38), to which Pilate marveled that He was “already dead” (Mark 15:44). It was only after Pilate received confirmation from the centurion, that he granted the body to Joseph (Mark 15:45).

     Second, we learn about the home of Joseph. He was identified as “Joseph of Arimathea” (Mark 15:43; John 19:38). He was thus identified because he was “from Arimathea, a city of the Jews” (Luke 23:51).

     Third, we learn about Joseph’s wealth. Matthew described Joseph as “a rich man” (Matt. 27:57). The mention of this fact was no mere triviality. Isaiah prophesied, “And they made His grave with the wicked; But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth” (Isa. 53:9). The prophecy was messianic (c.f. 1 Pet. 2:21-25). The soldiers who crucified the condemned were also responsible for seeing that their bodies were “taken away” (John 19:31). We may gather from Isaiah that they made them a common grave. Here the two robbers would be buried. The soldiers intended to bury Jesus with the wicked. However, in fulfillment of the Scriptures, Jesus was buried in the grave of the rich. The rich man placed His body in “a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid” (John 19:41).

     Fourth, we learn about the position of Joseph. Mark described him as “a prominent council member” (Mark 15:43). You may recall how the “whole council” met together prior to delivering Jesus to Pilate (Mark 15:1). However, Joseph “had not consented to their decision and deed” to condemn Him to death (Luke 23:51).

     Fifth, we learn about the character of Joseph. Luke described him as “a good and just man” (Luke 23:50). Joseph became “a disciple of Jesus” (Matt. 27:57). According to Mark and Luke, he was “waiting for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43). However, his discipleship was in secret “for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). To his credit, Joseph later overcame his fear. Mark recorded that Joseph, “coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43). Going before the governor would have required no little bravery, yet Joseph arose to the occasion.

     A study of the gospel accounts is fruitful. Details are missed when study is limited to one account.