Matthew 27:57

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, there came {G2064} a rich {G4145} man {G444} of {G575} Arimathaea {G707}, named {G5122} Joseph {G2501}, who {G3739} also {G2532} himself {G846} was {G3100} Jesus {G2424}' disciple {G3100}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Towards evening, there came a wealthy man from Ramatayim named Yosef, who was himself a talmid of Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus.

American Standard Version

And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:57 introduces Joseph of Arimathaea, a wealthy man and a previously unmentioned disciple of Jesus, who courageously steps forward at sundown on the day of the crucifixion. This verse marks a crucial transition from the public spectacle of Jesus' death to the solemn, yet divinely orchestrated, preparations for His burial, highlighting God's meticulous providence even in moments of profound sorrow and apparent defeat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic account of Jesus' death on the cross, accompanied by supernatural signs such as the darkening of the sky, the earthquake, and the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:45-56). The preceding verses emphasize the profound spiritual and cosmic significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The narrative then shifts from the public execution to the private, yet equally significant, act of burial. Joseph's appearance sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy regarding Jesus' interment and prepares the reader for the subsequent events of the resurrection. It bridges the gap between the cross and the tomb, demonstrating that even in death, Jesus' body was cared for and handled with respect, in stark contrast to the ignominy of His crucifixion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jewish law and custom, particularly as derived from [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Burial of the Executed"), mandated that the bodies of executed criminals not remain exposed overnight, especially not into the Sabbath. Since Jesus died on the "Day of Preparation" (Friday), the Sabbath would begin at sundown. This urgent timeline necessitated immediate action for burial. Furthermore, crucifixion was a Roman form of execution, and typically, the bodies of those crucified were left to rot or be disposed of in a common grave, denying them a proper burial. For a prominent member of the Sanhedrin like Joseph to request the body of a condemned criminal was an act of immense courage and public risk, as it would defile him and associate him with a perceived enemy of the state and religious authorities.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:57 contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, even the burial of His Son, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Prophecy of Burial with the Rich"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Unexpected Discipleship**, revealing that Jesus had followers even among the wealthy and influential, like Joseph, who had previously remained secret (cf. [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph and Nicodemus")). Joseph's emergence at this critical juncture exemplifies **Courage in Crisis**, contrasting sharply with the scattering of most of Jesus' public followers. His actions reveal a genuine faith that transcends social standing and personal risk, emphasizing that true commitment to Christ may require public action at the most challenging times.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb, often translated as "to come or go," signifies a purposeful movement or arrival. In this context, it emphasizes Joseph's deliberate and decisive action to approach Pilate and claim Jesus' body. It's not a passive appearance but an active stepping forward into a dangerous and defiling situation, highlighting his resolve.
* **rich (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** Derived from the word for "wealth," this adjective describes Joseph's material abundance. Matthew's specific inclusion of this detail is significant, as it immediately brings to mind the prophecy in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich") concerning the Messiah's burial "with the rich." It also highlights the unexpected nature of Joseph's discipleship, as wealth often posed a spiritual obstacle (cf. [Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - The Rich Young Ruler")).
* **disciple (Greek, _mathēteúō'_):** While the KJV translates this as "was Jesus' disciple," the underlying Greek verb _mathēteúō_ means "to become a pupil" or "to disciple, i.e., enroll as scholar." This implies that Joseph had been a follower of Jesus, learning from Him, even if his allegiance was not publicly known until this moment. His action here is the ultimate public declaration of his discipleship, demonstrating that he had indeed "enrolled as a scholar" of Christ, willing to bear the cost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the even was come":** This phrase establishes the critical timing. "Even" (Greek, _ópsios_) refers to the late afternoon or early evening, specifically the period between 3 PM and 6 PM. This was the end of the Jewish day and the eve of the Sabbath, underscoring the urgency of burying Jesus' body before sundown, as required by Jewish law. The setting of the sun symbolizes the close of a dark and tragic day, yet it also sets the stage for a new beginning.
* **"there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph":** This introduces the pivotal character. Joseph is identified by his wealth, his hometown (Arimathaea, possibly Ramah in Benjamin), and his name. His wealth is a significant detail, immediately connecting to prophetic fulfillment. His origin from Arimathaea suggests he was not from Jerusalem, perhaps giving him a degree of separation from the immediate Sanhedrin politics, though he was still a respected member. His coming is a deliberate act, not a casual arrival.
* **"who also himself was Jesus' disciple":** This final clause reveals Joseph's true identity and allegiance. The phrase "who also himself" emphasizes that this man, despite his status and the risks involved, was genuinely a follower of Jesus. This revelation is striking because, up to this point, Joseph's discipleship had been private (as [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "John 19:38 - Joseph, a Secret Disciple") indicates, "for fear of the Jews"). His public act of claiming Jesus' body is a profound and courageous declaration of his faith at the most dangerous moment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that while Jesus' closest public disciples had largely fled, it is a wealthy, previously secret follower who steps forward to honor His body. This contrasts the expected behavior of those who had publicly proclaimed allegiance with the unexpected courage of one who had kept his faith hidden. The mention of Joseph being "a rich man" serves as a direct **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial"), which states the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death." This detail subtly reinforces Jesus' identity as the promised Suffering Servant. Furthermore, Joseph's emergence acts as a form of **Character Development**, revealing a depth of faith and courage that was previously unstated. His actions foreshadow the divine care and provision surrounding Jesus' burial, setting the stage for the empty tomb and the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:57 powerfully illustrates the sovereign hand of God at work even in the darkest hours of human history. The emergence of Joseph of Arimathaea, a wealthy and influential man, at this precise moment is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated. His willingness to risk reputation, social standing, and ritual defilement to provide a proper burial for Jesus underscores that God's plan of redemption is meticulously fulfilled, down to the smallest details, including the burial of His Son. This verse highlights that genuine faith often manifests in unexpected ways and at the most critical junctures, challenging the notion that discipleship is always public or without cost. It reminds us that God uses individuals from all walks of life, with all their unique resources, to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

* [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Burial")
* [John 19:38](/john/19-38 "Joseph of Arimathaea, a Secret Disciple")
* [Luke 23:50-51](/luke/23-50-51 "Joseph of Arimathaea, a Good and Just Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph of Arimathaea's story is a profound challenge to our understanding of discipleship. It reminds us that faith is not merely a private conviction but often calls for public, courageous action, especially when it is unpopular or carries personal risk. Joseph, a man of means and influence, could have easily remained silent, preserving his status. Yet, at the very moment when Jesus' public followers had scattered, Joseph stepped forward, demonstrating a deep love and commitment that transcended fear. His example encourages us to consider where our faith might be too private, too comfortable, or too fearful of association with Christ in a world that often rejects Him. It prompts us to reflect on how God might be calling us to use our unique resources—be it wealth, influence, time, or talent—for His kingdom, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones and risking personal cost. Joseph's act was one of profound devotion, ensuring Jesus' body received honor in death, just as He deserved in life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be a "secret disciple," and what might God be calling you to do to make your faith more public?**
* **What resources (time, talent, treasure, influence) has God given you that you might be hesitant to use for His purposes, especially in challenging circumstances?**
* **How does Joseph's courage in crisis inspire you to act boldly for Christ when facing opposition or fear?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joseph of Arimathaea described as "rich" in this verse?**

Answer: Matthew's description of Joseph as "rich" is highly significant for two primary reasons. First, it directly fulfills the prophecy found in [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - Burial with the Rich"), which states concerning the Suffering Servant (the Messiah), "And they made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death." Joseph's wealth enabled him to own a new, unused tomb (as mentioned in [Matthew 27:60](/matthew/27-60 "Matthew 27:60 - Joseph's New Tomb")), ensuring that Jesus' burial aligned with this specific prophetic detail. Second, it highlights the unexpected nature of Joseph's discipleship. In a culture where wealth was often seen as a barrier to entering the kingdom of God (cf. [Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - The Rich Young Ruler")), Joseph's willingness to openly associate with a crucified criminal demonstrates a profound and genuine faith that transcended worldly status and fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:57, by introducing Joseph of Arimathaea, plays a vital role in the Christ-centered narrative, primarily by ensuring the proper burial of Jesus, which is an essential precursor to the resurrection. Joseph's act of providing a tomb for Jesus directly fulfills the ancient prophecy of [Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Messiah's Burial with the Rich"), demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of every detail of His Son's redemptive work. This seemingly minor detail underscores the truth that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was not merely a victim but the divinely appointed sacrifice whose every step, including His death and burial, was part of God's plan for salvation. The fact that a rich, influential man, previously a secret disciple, steps forward at this critical juncture highlights the universal reach of Christ's call and the unexpected ways God uses individuals to accomplish His purposes. Joseph's courageous act of devotion foreshadows the ultimate triumph over death, as the body laid in his tomb would not remain there, but would rise again, confirming Jesus' victory over sin and the grave, as declared in [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and Eternal Life") and [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel: Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose Again"). His actions, born of love for the crucified Christ, point forward to the hope of resurrection that is central to the Christian faith, making the tomb not a final resting place, but a temporary holding place before the dawn of eternal life.

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

John 19:38

¶ 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.

John 19:42

There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation [day]; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

Mark 15:42

¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

Mark 15:47

And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Luke 23:50

¶ And, behold, [there was] a man named Joseph, a counsellor; [and he was] a good man, and a just:

Luke 23:56

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

1 Samuel 1:1

¶ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: