John highlights Joseph's "secret" discipleship and fear of the Jews, subtly pointing out how this moment becomes a public declaration for Jesus, overcoming his prior hesitation. This shows that even those who start in the shadows can step into courage when compelled by love and necessity.
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. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the wake of Jesus' death, as the Jewish leaders pressured Pilate to hasten the executions before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential secret follower, boldly approached Pilate for permission to bury Jesus' body. This act of compassion and public declaration, despite his prior fear, led to the proper burial of Jesus in Joseph's own new tomb, followed by Nicodemus's assistance with spices.
Joseph of Arimathea was a follower of Jesus, but kept it quiet. What changed, and why does his action speak volumes?
John highlights Joseph's discipleship but notes it was 'secret for fear of the Jews.' This isn't a condemnation, but a setup for his incredible act.
A Shift in the Face of Grief
In the devastating aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph’s fear seems to have been overcome by a greater love and reverence. Mark tells us he 'went in boldly' to Pilate. This bold request to claim Jesus’ body, amidst the public shame and condemnation, shows a profound shift. It’s a powerful reminder that even those who struggle with public commitment can find courage when moved by deep conviction and love.
Theological Significance
His actions were not just about kindness; they fulfilled prophecy. Jesus was to be buried with a rich man, a stark contrast to his criminal's death. Joseph, a man of status and wealth, provides this fulfillment, showing God's plan unfolds even through hesitant disciples.
Why would a Roman governor, who condemned Jesus to death, readily grant permission for his burial?
Pilate's granting of Joseph's request is significant. Roman law did have provisions for the burial of executed individuals, especially if requested by relatives or friends.
Roman Law and Custom
According to Roman legal understanding, the bodies of those condemned to capital punishment were often denied to their families. However, a request could be made. Ulpian, a Roman jurist, noted that permission was typically granted, though governors could deny it, especially in cases of treason. There was even a market for this 'privilege,' with governors sometimes profiting from it. Cicero describes instances where parents had to 'buy the liberty of burial' for their executed sons.
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Pilate's Pragmatism
For Pilate, granting the request likely served multiple purposes. It appeased a respected Jewish council member like Joseph, potentially smoothing over any public relations issues. More importantly, having already been convinced of Jesus' innocence (as noted by John in 18:38 and his actions in 19:8), allowing a decent burial was a way to distance himself further from the crucifixion itself and perhaps alleviate any lingering guilt or unease. It also ensured Jesus’ body wouldn't remain a public spectacle.
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.
smyrna · Greek Noun
A fragrant resinous substance used in antiquity for perfumery, embalming, and medicine. It signifies honor and respect, particularly in the context of preparing a body for burial.
aloē · Greek Noun
A bitter, aromatic plant extract used in antiquity, often in combination with other spices, for burial preparation and medicinal purposes. It reflects the costly care given to honor the deceased.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate's governorship, following a Jewish request to have the bodies removed before the Sabbath.
c. AD 30
Jewish Council's Influence
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), kept his belief in Jesus secret due to fear of reprisal from the religious authorities.
c. AD 30
Roman Authority over Burials
Roman law dictated that the bodies of executed criminals were under the governor's control and could be granted for burial upon request.
c. AD 30
Joseph Requests the Body
Joseph of Arimathea, emboldened by the circumstances, directly asked Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, for permission to take Jesus' body for burial.
c. AD 30
Nicodemus Joins Joseph
Nicodemus, another secret believer and member of the council, joined Joseph in preparing Jesus' body for burial with spices.
This passage in Matthew parallels John's account by introducing Joseph of Arimathea as a 'rich man' and a 'disciple of Jesus,' highlighting his role in the burial.
Mark 15:43Mark describes Joseph as a 'respected member of the Sanhedrin' and notes he 'went in boldly' to Pilate, adding the nuance of his courageous action despite his secret discipleship.
Luke 23:50Luke identifies Joseph as 'a good and righteous man,' a member of the Jewish council, and emphasizes that he 'had not agreed to their plan and action,' providing further context for his standing and his dissent.
Isaiah 53:9This Old Testament prophecy foretold that the Suffering Servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked' but ultimately be 'with the rich in his death,' which is remarkably fulfilled by Jesus being buried by a wealthy man, Joseph, in a new tomb.
John 3:2The mention of Nicodemus coming 'at night' in John 3 echoes the initial secrecy of Joseph's discipleship. Their joint actions in John 19 show how fear can give way to bold love and devotion.
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 and fear of the Jews, subtly pointing out how this moment becomes a public declaration for Jesus, overcoming his prior hesitation. This shows that even those who start in the shadows can step into courage when compelled by love and necessity.
In the wake of Jesus' death, as the Jewish leaders pressured Pilate to hasten the executions before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential secret follower, boldly approached Pilate for permission to bury Jesus' body. This act of compassion and public declaration, despite his prior fear, led to the proper burial of Jesus in Joseph's own new tomb, followed by Nicodemus's assistance with spices.
In the wake of Jesus' death, as the Jewish leaders pressured Pilate to hasten the executions before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential secret follower, boldly approached Pilate for permission to bury Jesus' body. This act of compassion and public declaration, despite his prior fear, led to the proper burial of Jesus in Joseph's own new tomb, followed by Nicodemus's assistance with spices.
"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. Nicodemus al…" — John highlights Joseph's "secret" discipleship and fear of the Jews, subtly pointing out how this moment becomes a public declaration for Jesus, overcoming his prior hesitation. This shows that even…
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Last reviewed October 2026
