Mark 15:45

And when he knew [it] of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And {G2532} when he knew {G1097} it of {G575} the centurion {G2760}, he gave {G1433} the body {G4983} to Joseph {G2501}.

After he had gotten confirmation from the officer that Yeshua was dead, he granted Yosef the corpse.

When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

Commentary

This verse describes a critical step in the burial of Jesus Christ. Following Jesus' death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council and a secret disciple of Jesus, boldly approached Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial. Pilate, having heard of Jesus' swift death, needed official confirmation before releasing the body, which was provided by the centurion in charge of the crucifixion.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' death on the cross. Joseph of Arimathea had already made his courageous request in Mark 15:43. Pilate's surprise at Jesus' quick demise (Mark 15:44) highlights the unusual nature of Jesus' death; crucified victims often lingered for days. Therefore, the centurion's confirmation was essential for Pilate to proceed with the request.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Confirmation of Death: The centurion's testimony was crucial. His official confirmation ensured that Jesus was truly dead before His burial, a vital point for the truth of His resurrection. This detail safeguards against any later claims that Jesus merely swooned or was not actually deceased.
  • Joseph's Courage and Piety: Joseph of Arimathea displayed remarkable courage by asking for the body. As a prominent council member, such an act could have jeopardized his reputation and standing, especially given the official condemnation of Jesus. His request ensured a proper burial for Jesus, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 53:9, which states the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death."
  • Divine Providence: Even in the darkest moment of Jesus' crucifixion, God's plan was unfolding precisely. The unexpected intervention of Joseph, a wealthy and influential man, ensured that Jesus received a burial fitting for His identity, despite the shame of the cross.

Linguistic Insights

The term "centurion" (Latin: centurio) denotes a Roman military officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers. His professional confirmation of death was considered highly reliable. This same centurion had earlier witnessed Jesus' final moments and declared, "Truly this man was the Son of God," adding significant weight to his testimony about Jesus' death.

Practical Application

Joseph's act serves as a powerful reminder that faith often calls for courage and conviction, even when it means going against popular opinion or risking personal comfort. It encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions and to honor God's purposes, even in challenging or seemingly hopeless circumstances. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of treating all individuals, even the deceased, with dignity and respect, reflecting the value God places on human life.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 27:58 (2 votes)

    He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

  • John 19:38 (2 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.

  • Mark 15:39 (2 votes)

    And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.