John highlights Joseph's secret discipleship, a stark contrast to his bold action of asking Pilate. This detail reveals how fear can coexist with genuine faith, and how moments of crisis can compel believers to overcome their hesitations and act.
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after Jesus dies, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Jewish council, boldly asks Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. This happens as the Jewish leaders want the bodies removed before the Sabbath, and Pilate grants Joseph's request, leading him to retrieve Jesus' body for burial.
We often see the boldest followers of Jesus in the spotlight. But what about those who followed from the shadows, driven by fear?
Joseph of Arimathea is a fascinating figure. John tells us he was a disciple of Jesus, but "secretly for fear of the Jews." This wasn't a small detail; it highlights the intense pressure and danger faced by those who believed in Jesus, especially those with a public profile.
A Calculated Risk
Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, the very council that condemned Jesus. To openly associate with Jesus, especially after his crucifixion, would mean ostracization, loss of status, and potentially severe persecution. His initial discipleship was quiet, a testament to the real fear he harbored.
The Turning Point
Yet, in the face of Jesus' death, something shifted. John notes that this act happened "after these things" – after Jesus had died and his side had been pierced. It was in this moment of ultimate vulnerability for Jesus that Joseph took a decisive step. He "asked Pilate" for the body. This was not a passive request; it was a public appeal to the Roman governor, an act that could no longer be hidden. His fear didn't vanish, but his love and respect for Jesus, and perhaps a newfound boldness, outweighed it.
Why did Joseph have to ask Pilate for Jesus' body? It wasn't just a formality; it reveals a lot about Roman justice and the unique circumstances of Jesus' death.
The Roman Empire had specific laws regarding the disposal of bodies from crucifixion. Capital punishment victims were often left on the cross as a deterrent, or their bodies were thrown into a common pit for criminals.
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The Governor's Authority
However, Roman law did allow for bodies to be released to family or friends for proper burial, but only with the governor's explicit permission. This is why Joseph had to approach Pilate. The commentary notes that governors could sometimes profit from this, selling the privilege of burial. Pilate's consent was crucial.
Pilate's Compliance
Pilate's quick agreement to Joseph's request is significant. The text states, "Pilate gave him permission." This likely stemmed from Pilate's earlier conviction of Jesus' innocence, as mentioned in other Gospels. He may have been eager to grant a respectful burial to someone he felt was wrongly condemned, especially given the approaching Sabbath. It also shows that, despite the chaos of the crucifixion, the Roman administration was still functioning, with clear protocols even for the disposal of executed criminals.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or learner; one who adheres to the teachings and person of Jesus Christ. While some followed openly, others did so privately due to social pressure or fear.
phobos · Greek Noun
A profound, reverential awe toward God, or conversely, an overwhelming sense of apprehension regarding human opposition or judgment. Here, it represents the social dread of the religious establishment.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. This event is the central point of Christian belief.
c. AD 30
Jews Request Body Removal
Following Jesus' death, Jewish leaders ask Pilate to break the legs of the crucified men and remove the bodies to prevent them from remaining on the cross over the Sabbath, which was a high holy day.
c. AD 30
Joseph of Arimathea Asks for Body
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Sanhedrin, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus' body, a request granted by Roman law.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Burial
Joseph takes Jesus' body and, with the help of Nicodemus, wraps it in spices and linen, burying it in Joseph's own new tomb.
This passage from Matthew introduces Joseph of Arimathea as a 'rich man' and a disciple, mirroring John's description and setting the stage for his bold request to Pilate for Jesus' body.
Mark 15:43Mark describes Joseph as an 'honorable counselor' who 'went in boldly' to Pilate, adding a dimension of his respected status and courage that John highlights was previously hidden by fear.
Luke 23:50-51Luke also identifies Joseph as a 'good and just' man, a member of the council, who did not agree with their decision concerning Jesus, providing further context for his actions and his secret discipleship.
Isaiah 53:9This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant being 'assigned a tomb with the wicked' but then clarifies that he would have 'his grave with a rich man,' which Joseph's actions directly fulfill, demonstrating God's foreknowledge.
John 12:42This verse mentions that many of the Jewish rulers believed in Jesus but kept it hidden 'because of the Pharisees,' illustrating the very real fear of reprisal that would cause someone like Joseph to be a secret disciple.
barnesJohn 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."
See the notes at Matthew 27:57-61 .
vincentJohn 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."
A disciple of JesusMatthew calls him a rich man; Mark, an honorable counselor, i.e., a member of the Sanhedrim; and Luke, a counselor, good and just.Besought (ἠρωτησε)Better, as Rev., asked. See on John 11:22; see on John 16:23. Mark adds that he went…
John highlights Joseph's secret discipleship, a stark contrast to his bold action of asking Pilate. This detail reveals how fear can coexist with genuine faith, and how moments of crisis can compel believers to overcome their hesitations and act.
Right after Jesus dies, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Jewish council, boldly asks Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. This happens as the Jewish leaders want the bodies removed before the Sabbath, and Pilate grants Joseph's request, leading him to retrieve Jesus' body for burial.
Right after Jesus dies, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and member of the Jewish council, boldly asks Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. This happens as the Jewish leaders want the bodies removed before the Sabbath, and Pilate grants Joseph's request, leading him to retrieve Jesus' body for burial.
"After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body." — John highlights Joseph's secret discipleship, a stark contrast to his bold action of asking Pilate. This detail reveals how fear can coexist with genuine faith, and how moments of crisis can compel b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
