Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke specifically highlights Joseph as "good and righteous," suggesting a deeper character beyond mere adherence to the law. This emphasis points to his inner disposition, implying he not only acted justly but possessed a compassionate heart that set him apart even within the religious elite.
Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The narrative picks up immediately after Jesus' crucifixion and death. As the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward. He boldly petitions Pilate for Jesus' body, determined to give him a proper burial before the holy day begins.
He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man. In the midst of the very group that condemned Jesus, one man stood apart.
Joseph of Arimathea held a significant position as a member of the Jewish council. This wasn't just any committee; it was the very body that had conspired against Jesus. Yet, Luke emphasizes that Joseph was "good and righteous." This description, unique to Luke's Gospel, suggests a man whose inner character was marked by both moral integrity and a commitment to doing good. Even though he was part of the system, his heart was aligned with God's will, and he hadn't approved of the council's decision against Jesus. His faith, though not publicly proclaimed, was real and shaped his character.
In the face of immense pressure and danger, Joseph stepped out of the shadows. Where did this boldness come from?
The prevailing mood after Jesus' crucifixion would have been fear and despair for his followers. Yet, Joseph, a man of high standing, acted decisively. The commentators suggest his courage stemmed from a deep-seated hope. He was 'waiting for the kingdom of God.' This wasn't passive waiting; it was an active anticipation of God's promised reign, which he believed Jesus was inaugurating. When all seemed lost, this hope fueled his action. He didn't just bury Jesus; he did so honorably, using his own new tomb, a significant act of reverence that demonstrated his commitment, despite the personal risk.
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bouleutēs · Greek Noun
A standard term for the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, which held religious and political authority in Judea under Roman oversight. It consisted of elders, priests, and scribes.
agathos kai dikaios · Greek Adjective phrase
Describes a person who lives in conformity with God's moral law and possesses integrity of character. It denotes one who acts uprightly toward both God and fellow human beings.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry, followed by his arrest, trial, and crucifixion in Jerusalem during the Roman governorship of Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30
The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, and Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, obtains the body from Pilate and buries it in his own new tomb.
c. AD 30
Early Believers and the Sabbath
Following Jesus' burial, his female followers prepare spices and ointments, intending to anoint his body further, but rest on the Sabbath day as required by Jewish law.
c. AD 30-33
Resurrection and Early Church
Jesus is resurrected on the third day, appearing to his disciples and commissioning them to spread the Gospel, leading to the formation of the early Christian church.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea from Matthew's Gospel, also noting his wealth and that he was a disciple of Jesus, adding to the description of his character and status.
Mark 15:43Mark also highlights Joseph as an 'honorable counselor' who 'boldly' went to Pilate, underscoring his courage and respected position within the community.
John 19:38John mentions both Joseph and Nicodemus in this act, noting Nicodemus's prior visit to Jesus by night, which contrasts with Joseph's bold public action.
Romans 5:7Luke's description of Joseph as 'good and righteous' echoes Paul's discussion of righteousness, suggesting a higher standard of goodness and benevolence beyond mere adherence to law.
Acts 11:24The description of Joseph as 'good' finds a parallel in Barnabas, highlighting a character filled with the Holy Spirit and exceptional generosity, not just formal righteousness.
vincentLuke 23:50: "And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:"
CouncillorSee on Mark 15:43. Matthew calls him rich; Mark, honorable; Luke, good and just.
calvinLuke 23:50-56: "And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:"
- And when the evening was come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. 58. He went to Pilate, and requested the body of Jesus; then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59. And Joseph, having received the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth. 60. And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock, and having ro…
Luke specifically highlights Joseph as "good and righteous," suggesting a deeper character beyond mere adherence to the law. This emphasis points to his inner disposition, implying he not only acted justly but possessed a compassionate heart that set him apart even within the religious elite.
The narrative picks up immediately after Jesus' crucifixion and death. As the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward. He boldly petitions Pilate for Jesus' body, determined to give him a proper burial before the holy day begins.
The narrative picks up immediately after Jesus' crucifixion and death. As the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward. He boldly petitions Pilate for Jesus' body, determined to give him a proper burial before the holy day begins.
"Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man," — Luke specifically highlights Joseph as "good and righteous," suggesting a deeper character beyond mere adherence to the law. This emphasis points to his inner disposition, implying he not only acted…
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Last reviewed October 2026