Luke 23:51

KJV

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) [he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

(The same {G3778} had {G4784} not {G3756} consented {G4784}{G2258} to the counsel {G1012} and {G2532} deed {G4234} of them {G846};) he was of {G575} Arimathaea {G707}, a city {G4172} of the Jews {G2453}:{G2532} who {G3739} also {G2532} himself {G846} waited for {G4327} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he had not been in agreement with either the Sanhedrin’s motivation or their action. He came from the town of Ramatayim, a town of the Judeans; and he looked forward to the Kingdom of God.

Berean Standard Bible

who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God.

American Standard Version

(he had not consented to their counsel and deed), a man of Arimathæa, a city of the Jews, who was looking for the kingdom of God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:51 introduces Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, who notably dissented from their unjust condemnation of Jesus. Hailing from Arimathaea, a city in Judea, Joseph is characterized by his profound spiritual anticipation of the Kingdom of God, a defining trait that sets the stage for his courageous and pivotal role in the burial of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' crucifixion and death, serving as an introduction to Joseph of Arimathaea, who will play a critical role in Jesus' burial. Luke 23:50 has already established Joseph as "a good man, and a just," and a member of the Sanhedrin, further highlighting the significance of his non-consent to their collective decision. Verse 51 clarifies his moral and spiritual standing, distinguishing him from the majority of the council who had condemned Jesus. This detail is crucial for understanding why he would then boldly approach Pilate to request Jesus' body, an act that would have been highly controversial and dangerous for a man of his standing. The narrative flow moves from the public spectacle of the crucifixion to the private, yet profoundly significant, act of burial, which Joseph facilitates.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's position as a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body, places him within the highest echelons of Jewish society during the Roman occupation. The Sanhedrin was largely responsible for religious and civil matters under Roman oversight, and their decision to condemn Jesus was a momentous one. For Joseph to "not consent to the counsel and deed of them" indicates a remarkable act of moral courage and integrity, as dissenting from such a powerful and unified body could have severe social and political repercussions. The phrase "a city of the Jews" for Arimathaea, while its exact location is debated, signifies its Jewish identity, rooting Joseph firmly within the Jewish community. The concept of "waiting for the kingdom of God" was a deeply held spiritual aspiration among many devout Jews, who longed for the promised Messiah to establish God's righteous rule and deliver Israel from foreign oppression. This expectation shaped their worldview and often fueled their actions.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:51 contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Integrity Amidst Injustice**, showcasing Joseph's moral fortitude in standing against the prevailing tide of injustice within his own esteemed council. His character provides a stark **Contrast** to the corrupt religious leadership that orchestrated Jesus' death. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Providence through Unexpected Individuals**, as God uses a wealthy and influential member of the very body that condemned Jesus to ensure His proper burial, fulfilling prophecy (as seen in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich")). Finally, Joseph's active "waiting for the kingdom of God" connects him to other devout figures in Luke's Gospel, such as [Simeon](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon waiting for the consolation of Israel") and [Anna](/luke/2-38 "Luke 2:38 - Anna speaking of redemption"), emphasizing the importance of **Spiritual Expectation** and readiness for God's redemptive plan. This spiritual posture is what ultimately motivates his courageous actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **consented (Greek, _synkatatíthemai'_):** G4784, from σύν and κατατίθημι; to deposit (one's vote or opinion) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to accord with. This word implies an active agreement or approval, suggesting that Joseph's non-consent was not merely passive abstention but a principled refusal to align himself with the Sanhedrin's decision. It highlights his deliberate moral stand against the prevailing consensus.
* **counsel (Greek, _boulḗ'_):** G1012, from βούλομαι; volition, i.e. (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose. Here, "counsel" refers specifically to the decision, deliberation, and collective purpose of the Sanhedrin regarding Jesus. Joseph's refusal to consent to their "counsel and deed" means he actively rejected both their deliberated plan and the execution of that plan to condemn Jesus.
* **waited for (Greek, _prosdéchomai'_):** G4327, from πρός and δέχομαι; to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience). This verb conveys a strong sense of active anticipation, expectation, and readiness. Joseph was not passively hoping, but eagerly and confidently looking forward to the arrival of God's sovereign rule, which would profoundly influence his actions and moral compass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;)"**: This parenthetical clause immediately establishes Joseph's moral integrity and distinguishes him from his colleagues in the Sanhedrin. Despite being a member of the Jewish ruling council, he did not agree with their decision to condemn Jesus, nor with the actions taken against Him. This highlights his personal conviction and courage in standing against the majority, even at risk to his own reputation or safety.
* **"[he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews:"**: This identifies Joseph's origin, grounding him geographically and culturally. Arimathaea, while its precise location is debated, is noted as a "city of the Jews," emphasizing his Jewish identity and perhaps his standing within the broader Jewish community beyond Jerusalem. This detail adds weight to his character as a respected figure.
* **"who also himself waited for the kingdom of God."**: This is the most significant characterization of Joseph, revealing his deep spiritual posture. It indicates that he was a devout and righteous man, actively anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises—the establishment of His sovereign rule through the Messiah. This spiritual expectation provides the underlying motivation for his subsequent courageous actions, linking his inner faith to his outward deeds.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's portrayal of Joseph of Arimathaea in this verse employs several effective literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, as Joseph's moral integrity and dissent are set against the backdrop of the Sanhedrin's collective condemnation of Jesus, highlighting the corruption within the religious establishment. This creates a powerful juxtaposition between individual righteousness and institutional injustice. There is also an element of **Irony** in that a member of the very council that condemned Jesus is the one who steps forward to honor Him in death, providing a burial that fulfills prophetic expectations. Furthermore, the verse uses **Characterization** to quickly and effectively define Joseph's moral and spiritual standing. By describing him as one who "had not consented" and "waited for the kingdom of God," Luke immediately paints a picture of a righteous and devout individual, preparing the reader for his crucial role in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:51 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty and the nature of true discipleship. It reveals that God often works through unexpected individuals and in surprising ways, even within systems seemingly opposed to His will. Joseph, a man of influence within the very body that condemned Jesus, becomes an instrument of God's providence, ensuring Jesus' proper burial and fulfilling ancient prophecy. His quiet integrity and active anticipation of God's kingdom demonstrate that genuine faith can exist and courageously manifest even in the darkest hours and most challenging environments. This verse underscores that true allegiance is to God's kingdom, not to human institutions or popular opinion, and that waiting for God's kingdom is not passive but an active, shaping force for righteous living and courageous action.

* [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon waiting for the consolation of Israel")
* [Luke 2:38](/luke/2-38 "Luke 2:38 - Anna speaking of redemption in Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of the Messiah's burial with the rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph of Arimathaea stands as a powerful example for believers today, demonstrating that integrity, courage, and faithfulness are paramount, especially when confronted with injustice or popular opposition. His refusal to consent to the Sanhedrin's verdict reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God's truth and righteousness, not to the prevailing opinions or actions of those in power, even within religious circles. His quiet but active waiting for the kingdom of God highlights the importance of a deep spiritual longing for God's reign to be fully realized, which then translates into tangible acts of faith and service. This passage challenges us to consider how our own spiritual expectations shape our daily lives and whether we are prepared to act boldly for what is right, even when it is costly or unpopular. Joseph's example encourages us to cultivate a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active anticipation of God's kingdom that empowers us to stand for truth and serve Christ, even in the most challenging circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to stand for truth, even when it means dissenting from popular or institutional opinion?**
* **How does your "waiting for the kingdom of God" actively shape your decisions and actions today?**
* **What acts of quiet courage might God be calling you to undertake in your current sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Who was Joseph of Arimathaea, and why is he significant?**

Answer: Joseph of Arimathaea was a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, who is primarily significant for his courageous act of providing a tomb for Jesus' body after the crucifixion. Luke 23:51 specifically highlights that he "had not consented to the counsel and deed of them," meaning he did not agree with the Sanhedrin's decision to condemn Jesus. His significance lies in his moral integrity, his hidden discipleship (as noted in [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph a secret disciple")), and his crucial role in the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Jesus' burial in a rich man's tomb ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich")).

**What does it mean that Joseph "waited for the kingdom of God"?**

Answer: To "wait for the kingdom of God" signifies a deep spiritual longing and active anticipation for the establishment of God's sovereign rule on earth through the Messiah. This was a common expectation among devout Jews of that era, who looked forward to God's ultimate intervention to bring justice, peace, and deliverance. For Joseph, this was not a passive hope but an active spiritual posture that shaped his worldview and motivated his actions. It indicates his alignment with God's purposes and his readiness to receive and participate in God's redemptive plan, much like [Simeon](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon waiting for the consolation of Israel") and [Anna](/luke/2-38 "Luke 2:38 - Anna speaking of redemption in Jerusalem") in Luke's Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph of Arimathaea's character and actions in Luke 23:51 find profound Christ-centered fulfillment, even though he is not explicitly a figure of prophecy. His quiet, yet resolute, non-consent to the Sanhedrin's unjust "counsel and deed" foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's perfect righteousness over human corruption and injustice. Joseph's act of providing a tomb for Jesus' body, a seemingly small detail, was divinely orchestrated to ensure the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be buried with the rich ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich")). His "waiting for the kingdom of God" is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ Himself, who not only inaugurated the [Kingdom of God](/luke/4-43 "Jesus preaches the Kingdom of God") through His ministry but fully established it through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Joseph's faith, though perhaps initially "secret for fear of the Jews" ([John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph a secret disciple")), became publicly evident at the most critical moment, demonstrating that true discipleship culminates in courageous action for the Lord, even in the face of immense risk. His role in the burial is essential for the subsequent narrative of the resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the ultimate proof of Christ's victory over sin and death, bringing the [fullness of the Kingdom](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved Son") to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 2:25

¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Luke 2:38

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Genesis 37:21

And Reuben heard [it], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.

Genesis 37:22

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, [but] cast him into this pit that [is] in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.

Genesis 49:18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.

Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Isaiah 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.