Who Was Joseph of Arimathea?
What the Gospels tell us about the man who buried Jesus.
In Bible class Sunday, we studied the second half of John 19, where Jesus is crucified and dies.
After He dies on the cross, a man called “Joseph of Arimathea” asks for the body of Jesus to provide a proper burial for Him.
We don’t know much about Joseph of Arimathea - but the Gospel accounts give us some interesting information about him.
What we know about Arimathea.
Arimathea was a city originally given to the Levites, and it was located near Mt. Ephraim - located north of Jerusalem.
It is also known as the birthplace of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1, 19). The town appears to have been called “Ramah” during Old Testament times.
He was a secret disciple of Jesus - at first.
John 19:38 records that Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus “but secretly for fear of the Jews.”
Specifically, he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. Perhaps at first, Joseph was more concerned about maintaining his position of authority and place in Jewish society. This was certainly the case for some.
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:42-43)
He was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin.
Luke 23:50 refers to Joseph of Arimathea as a “council member.” This refers to the Jewish Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was “the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial court.” The Sanhedrin was likely made up of both Pharisees and Sadducees.
Joseph of Arimathea was a council member who held much authority over Jewish society, and the Jewish people would have highly respected him.
He had not consented to the death of Jesus.
Luke 23:51 tells us that Joseph of Arimathea “had not consented to their decision and deed” to condemn Jesus to death.
The textual evidence suggests that this had been his conviction from the beginning - so he was likely not at the early morning “trial” of Jesus. If he was there, his protests were drowned out by the vast majority of the council who demanded the Lord’s death (Luke 22:66-71).
He was waiting for the kingdom of God.
Luke 23:51 also tells us that Joseph of Arimathea was “waiting for the kingdom of God.”
Joseph and Nicodemus gave Jesus a burial “fit for a king” (John 19:38-42).
Jesus claimed to be King (John 18:37) and to have a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). While the nature of Jesus’ kingdom was not understood by most disciples when Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea’s actions connect his hopeful waiting on God’s kingdom to Jesus Christ.
He is defined as a man of courage.
Mark 15:43 tells us that Joseph of Arimathea “took courage” and went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus to bury Him.
While at first, he was secretly a disciple of Jesus, he finally demonstrated his courage by being open with his faith. No doubt, word quickly got back to the rest of the council members that one of their own provided a tomb for Jesus’ burial.
He was no longer willing to be a “secret” disciple of Jesus. What a courageous example he provides for us today!
Please keep my wife in your prayers, I would be thankful! She is scheduled to have surgery on her foot early this morning.
I’m thankful we can bring all our cares and concerns before the throne of our heavenly Father (1 Peter 5:7)!
Excellent article and praying for your wife. I have had foot surgery before and had to wear a boot on it for a couple of months. All turned out well as I am sure it will for y'all today.
Prayers for your wife this morning.