Luke 23:50
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)
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Luke highlights Joseph not just as "righteous" (meaning he followed the law), but also as "good," suggesting a deeper, more active kindness and generosity. This dual description underscores that his willingness to step forward and claim Jesus' body wasn't just about following rules, but a profound act of compassion that distinguished him even among those who were outwardly moral.
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath approaches, the narrative shifts to a significant but previously quiet follower. This respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, steps forward to claim Jesus' body, a bold act given his public standing and the recent condemnation he secretly opposed. His actions lead directly to Jesus' honorable burial in his own new tomb, setting the stage for the women's preparation of spices and the subsequent Sabbath rest.
How could a man on the ruling council, a group that condemned Jesus, secretly be a follower? What does this tell us about discipleship in hostile times?
Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. This was the very council that had condemned Jesus.
A Secret Disciple
In the darkest moment, when all seemed lost, Joseph acted with astonishing boldness. Where did this courage come from?
Joseph's actions weren't just about kindness; they were rooted in a deep hope.
Waiting for God's Kingdom
Understand the original words
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.
Joseph's act of faith, taking Jesus' body for burial, was a bold move for a member of the Jewish council, especially considering he had not agreed with their decision to crucify Jesus. This highlights how individuals within powerful systems can act against injustice, even at personal risk.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus ministered throughout Judea and Galilee, drawing followers but also opposition from religious leaders. His ministry culminated in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30, late afternoon— this verse
Joseph Requests Jesus' Body
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, bravely approached Pilate to ask for Jesus' body after his crucifixion.
c. AD 30, late afternoon
Jesus is Buried
Joseph, along with Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus' body in linen and laid it in Joseph's own new tomb, hewn into a rock, before the Sabbath began.
c. AD 30, evening
Sabbath Begins
The Jewish Sabbath began at sunset on Friday, a period of rest from all work, during which Jesus' tomb remained sealed.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea and highlights his discipleship and his wealth, adding another dimension to his character beyond what Luke details.
Mark 15:43Mark also identifies Joseph as a respected council member and one who 'boldly' went to Pilate, emphasizing his courage in the face of opposition, which Luke's 'good and righteous' hints at.
John 19:38John mentions Nicodemus joining Joseph, showing that this act of honorable burial was a collaborative effort between two secret disciples, underscoring their shared faith despite their council positions.
Romans 5:7The description of Joseph as 'good and righteous' echoes Paul's discussion on righteousness, suggesting that while being 'just' means fulfilling obligations, being 'good' implies a higher, more benevolent character, which Joseph displayed through his actions.
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 highlights Joseph not just as "righteous" (meaning he followed the law), but also as "good," suggesting a deeper, more active kindness and generosity. This dual description underscores that his willingness to step forward and claim Jesus' body wasn't just about following rules, but a profound act of compassion that distinguished him even among those who were outwardly moral.
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath approaches, the narrative shifts to a significant but previously quiet follower. This respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, steps forward to claim Jesus' body, a bold act given his public standing and the recent condemnation he secretly opposed. His actions lead directly to Jesus' honorable burial in his own new tomb, setting the stage for the women's preparation of spices and the subsequent Sabbath rest.
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath approaches, the narrative shifts to a significant but previously quiet follower. This respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, steps forward to claim Jesus' body, a bold act given his public standing and the recent condemnation he secretly opposed. His actions lead directly to Jesus' honorable burial in his own new tomb, setting the stage for the women's preparation of spices and the subsequent Sabbath rest.
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Why was Joseph's act of burying Jesus so significant, especially given the rush and the location of the tomb?
Joseph's decision to bury Jesus was more than just a final act of respect; it was a divinely orchestrated moment.
A Tomb with a Purpose
c. AD 30, Sunday morning
The Resurrection
On the first day of the week, early in the morning, women followers discovered the tomb empty, marking the beginning of the most significant event in Christian history.
"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 highlights Joseph not just as "righteous" (meaning he followed the law), but also as "good," suggesting a deeper, more active kindness and generosity. This dual description underscores that his…
