Who Was Joseph of Arimathea?

Joseph of Arimathea stands as a compelling figure in the Biblical narrative, a man whose quiet devotion and courageous actions at the darkest hour of human history cemented his place in the Gospel accounts. Described variously as a rich man (Matthew 27:57), an honourable counsellor (Mark 15:43), a good man, and a just (Luke 23:50), he was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court, yet he did not consent to their counsel and deed concerning Jesus (Luke 23:51). He was, as John's Gospel reveals, a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). His prominence and wealth suggest a life of influence and respect, yet his deepest allegiance lay with the Galilean Rabbi whom many of his peers condemned to death. It is at the crucifixion of Jesus that Joseph emerges from the shadows of secret discipleship to perform an act of profound courage and compassion: the burial of the Lord's body. His actions not only demonstrated remarkable bravery but also fulfilled ancient prophecy, ensuring Jesus’ body was laid in a new tomb, belonging to a rich man.

A Man of Influence and Integrity

The Gospels paint a consistent picture of Joseph of Arimathea as a man of considerable standing and unblemished character. Mark identifies him as "an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). Luke adds that he was "a good man, and a just" (Luke 23:50), further emphasizing that he "had not consented to the counsel and deed of them" (Luke 23:51) who condemned Jesus. This detail is crucial; it reveals Joseph’s moral integrity and his dissent from the prevailing sentiment of his powerful colleagues. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he was part of the very body that sentenced Jesus, yet his heart and mind were clearly aligned with God’s kingdom, not with the political machinations of his peers. His wealth, noted by Matthew, meant he had much to lose by associating with a crucified criminal. Yet, his waiting for the kingdom of God was not passive; it implied an active hope and a readiness to embrace the Messiah. This background makes his subsequent actions all the more striking and admirable, showcasing a man whose convictions outweighed his personal safety and reputation.

The Courageous Request

With Jesus dead on the cross, a critical need arose: His body had to be removed before the Sabbath began at sunset. Jewish law dictated that crucified bodies should not remain exposed overnight (Deuteronomy 21:23). It was at this juncture that Joseph of Arimathea stepped forward, demonstrating incredible boldness. Mark records:

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

Mark 15:43

This was no small feat. Approaching the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to request the body of a condemned criminal was an act fraught with peril. It meant publicly identifying with Jesus, a move that could lead to ostracization, suspicion, or even persecution from both Roman and Jewish authorities. Pilate, "marveled if he were already dead" (Mark 15:44), confirming Jesus' death before granting permission. Joseph’s courage stands in stark contrast to the fear that gripped most of Jesus' disciples, who had scattered. His willingness to compromise his standing and risk his safety for the sake of his Lord highlights the depth of his faith, even if it had been kept secret until this pivotal moment.

The Burial of the Lord

Having obtained permission from Pilate, Joseph wasted no time. He took the body down from the cross, likely with the assistance of servants or other faithful individuals. He was joined in this solemn task by another secret disciple, Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus by night and now brought a lavish mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight (John 19:39). Together, these two men, once fearful in their devotion, performed a sacred duty. Matthew records:

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27:59-60

This detail is profoundly significant. Joseph’s tomb was new, signifying that no other body had been laid there, thus preventing any confusion regarding the identity of the resurrected one. It was his own tomb, a precious possession, freely given for the Lord. This act of burying Jesus in a rich man’s tomb directly fulfilled the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:9, which states of the suffering servant: "And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth." Joseph's provision ensured the precise fulfillment of this ancient word, underscoring God's meticulous plan even in apparent defeat.

Joseph's Faith and Prophetic Fulfillment

Joseph of Arimathea’s faith, though initially "secret for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38), proved to be robust and active when it mattered most. While many of Jesus’ public followers fled, Joseph stepped into the limelight of danger. His actions were not merely an act of charity but a profound confession of faith. By burying Jesus, he publicly identified with the One who had been crucified as a criminal, staking his reputation and potentially his life on the Lord. The most striking aspect of Joseph’s contribution is how it directly aligns with Old Testament prophecy. The prophet Isaiah, writing centuries before Christ, foretold the Messiah’s burial:

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:9

Jesus was indeed crucified between two "wicked" thieves, yet His grave was not with them. Instead, through Joseph’s benevolent act, He was laid in a rich man’s new tomb. This precise fulfillment of prophecy through the agency of a seemingly minor figure underscores the sovereignty of God, who orchestrates even the smallest details of His grand plan. Joseph’s quiet faith, culminating in this courageous act, became an indispensable part of the divine narrative, providing the necessary context for the glorious resurrection that would follow.

The Legacy of a Secret Disciple

Joseph of Arimathea’s story offers enduring lessons for believers across generations. He exemplifies the truth that God uses individuals from all walks of life, even those who may not be at the forefront of public ministry, to accomplish His purposes. His initial secrecy was not a sign of weak faith but perhaps a prudent measure that allowed him to maintain his position and influence, which became crucial at the cross. When the moment demanded, his courage shone brightest. His actions remind us that true discipleship is not always loud or public; sometimes, it is expressed through quiet, sacrificial acts of service. Joseph's provision of the tomb was not just an act of kindness; it was a foundational element for the resurrection narrative, providing a clear, undisturbed resting place from which Christ would rise. His legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith, demonstrated not by eloquent sermons or public miracles, but by the simple, powerful act of burying his Lord. He stands as a testament to the fact that God’s plan unfolds through the faithful obedience of all His people, whether they are prominent apostles or secret disciples like Joseph of Arimathea.