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.

Joseph {G2501} of {G575} Arimathaea {G707}, an honourable {G2158} counsellor {G1010}, which {G3739} also {G2532}{G846} waited {G4327} for {G2258} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, came {G2064}, and went in {G1525} boldly {G5111} unto {G4314} Pilate {G4091}, and {G2532} craved {G154} the body {G4983} of Jesus {G2424}.

Yosef of Ramatayim, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who himself was also looking forward to the Kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Yeshua's body.

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

there came Joseph of Arimathæa, a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 15:43

Mark 15:43 introduces us to Joseph of Arimathaea, a pivotal figure in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion. This verse highlights his courage and reverence, setting the stage for the burial of Christ.

Context

This verse occurs at the harrowing climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, following His death on the cross (see Mark 15:37). Roman custom typically left crucified bodies exposed or thrown into common graves. Jewish law, however, required bodies to be buried before nightfall (Deuteronomy 21:23). With the Sabbath approaching at sunset, there was an urgent need to remove Jesus' body. It is in this tense atmosphere that Joseph steps forward.

Key Themes

  • Courage and Boldness: Joseph's action was not without risk. To "go in boldly unto Pilate" and claim the body of a condemned criminal was to publicly associate himself with Jesus, potentially risking his reputation, social standing, and even his life. This act of courage stands in stark contrast to many who had scattered after Jesus' arrest.
  • Respect and Reverence: Joseph's motivation was to ensure a proper, dignified burial for Jesus, preventing His body from being dishonored. This demonstrates profound respect for the deceased, especially for one he believed was the Messiah.
  • Secret Disciple Revealed: The Gospels reveal Joseph was a secret disciple, "waiting for the kingdom of God" (see also Luke 23:51). While many of Jesus' public followers fled, Joseph, a man of influence, stepped into the light at Jesus' darkest hour. His faith was not just intellectual assent but spurred him to costly action.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Joseph's act of providing a rich man's tomb for Jesus' burial directly fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah's death and burial (Isaiah 53:9).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "honourable counsellor" is euschēmōn boulētēs (εὐσχήμων βουλευτής).

  • Euschēmōn (honourable/respectable) signifies someone of good standing, dignified, and influential in society.
  • Boulētēs (counsellor) indicates he was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council that had condemned Jesus. This makes his request even more remarkable and dangerous, as he was acting against the very body he belonged to.
His description as one who "waited for the kingdom of God" (prosdechomenos tēn basileian tou theou) emphasizes his spiritual expectation and alignment with Jesus' message, even before this overt act of devotion. This phrase is also used elsewhere to describe devout individuals looking for God's redemptive work, such as Simeon in Luke 2:25.

Practical Application

Joseph of Arimathaea's story is a powerful reminder that:

  • Faith can be expressed boldly, even in the face of fear. Joseph's example challenges us to consider if our faith is evident when it truly matters, particularly when there is a cost involved.
  • God uses unexpected people in crucial moments. Joseph, a wealthy and influential member of the Sanhedrin, becomes the instrument for fulfilling prophecy and providing a dignified burial for Jesus.
  • Acts of compassion and reverence are meaningful. Even in death, showing respect and care for others, especially those who are marginalized or condemned, is a profound expression of love and faith.
Joseph's courageous action ensured Jesus' body was laid in a new tomb, paving the way for the glorious resurrection on the third day.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:38 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 2:25 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 23:51 (4 votes)

    (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.

  • Acts 17:12 (3 votes)

    Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

  • Matthew 27:57 (3 votes)

    ¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

  • John 19:38 (3 votes)

    ¶ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

  • Matthew 19:30 (2 votes)

    But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.