Luke highlights Joseph not just as "righteous" but also "good," suggesting a deeper kindness and benevolence beyond mere adherence to rules, pointing to a man whose character was shaped by anticipation of God's kingdom. This detail is crucial because it implies his actions, particularly his bold request for Jesus' body, stemmed from a heart of active compassion, not just legal correctness.
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, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been crucified, and as the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, there's an urgent need to bury his body. In this critical moment, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward to claim the body and provide him with an honorable burial in his own new tomb. This action is set against the backdrop of the religious leaders' swift and decisive condemnation of Jesus, highlighting Joseph's courageous dissent and willingness to risk his reputation.
He was part of the very council that condemned Jesus. Yet, this man held a hidden hope for God's kingdom.
Joseph of Arimathea was no ordinary bystander. Luke tells us he was a 'member of the council' (a Sanhedrin member, the Jewish ruling body). This means he was likely privy to, and perhaps even present at, the decisions that led to Jesus' crucifixion. However, Luke also adds a crucial detail: he was a man 'who had not consented to their decision and their action' (Luke 23:51). This highlights a profound internal conflict. While part of the establishment that condemned Jesus, Joseph secretly held onto a different allegiance – a hope for God's promised kingdom. This shows that even within systems that oppose God, individuals can hold onto faith and discern truth.
What does it truly mean to be 'good and just' in God's eyes? It's more than just following rules.
Luke specifically calls Joseph 'a good and righteous man.' The word 'good' here (agathos) suggests a benevolent, generous, and inwardly excellent character, going beyond mere duty. The word 'righteous' (dikaios) points to living according to God's law and justice. While many of the religious leaders focused on outward appearances and adherence to the Law, Joseph embodied a deeper integrity. He wasn't just following rules; his heart was aligned with God's will, leading him to act with kindness and courage even when it was dangerous. This demonstrates that true righteousness is a combination of inner character and outward action, motivated by a genuine love for God and others.
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Facing immense pressure and potential danger, Joseph acted decisively. Where did this courage come from?
It's incredible to think that Joseph, a man who had likely kept his discipleship quiet, now boldly went to Pilate, the Roman governor, to request the body of Jesus. This wasn't a casual act; it was a public declaration and a risky move. He appealed to Pilate, bought a burial cloth, and personally laid Jesus in his own brand-new tomb. Calvin notes that this courage likely stemmed from his 'waiting for the kingdom of God.' His hope in God's ultimate plan, even in the face of death and apparent defeat, gave him the strength to act. It reminds us that our hope in God's promises can empower us to take bold steps for Him, even when surrounded by opposition or despair.
Understand the original words
basileia tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
The sovereign rule, reign, or royal authority of God over creation, His people, and the hearts of believers. It is both a present reality in the lives of the faithful and a future hope of consummation.
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 respected position as a council member and his prior, though perhaps hidden, belief in the 'kingdom of God' were crucial. His boldness in approaching Pilate and using his own tomb showcases divine providence at work, bringing honor to Christ even in death.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus of Nazareth conducted a public ministry, gathering disciples and challenging religious authorities. His ministry culminated in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion under Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
AD 30 (Preparation Day, late afternoon)— this verse
Joseph Requests Jesus' Body
Following Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, approached Pontius Pilate to request the body for burial.
AD 30 (Preparation Day, evening)
Jesus is Buried
Joseph, aided by Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus' body in linen and laid it in Joseph's own new tomb, carved into a rock, before the Sabbath began.
AD 30 (Sabbath Day)
Women Observe and Prepare
Women followers, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, witnessed where Jesus was laid. They then prepared spices and ointments for his body but rested on the Sabbath.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea, echoing Luke's description of him as a wealthy man and a disciple, highlighting his quiet discipleship and eventual bold actions.
Mark 15:43Similar to Luke, Mark describes Joseph as an honorable counselor who was also waiting for the kingdom of God, emphasizing his respected position and his hope in God's promises.
John 19:38John mentions Joseph, along with Nicodemus, coming to ask for Jesus' body, showing the support Jesus had even in death and how these men acted together.
Romans 5:7This verse is cited as a comparison for 'good and just,' suggesting that while a just person might risk dying for another, a 'good' person is one with a higher level of benevolence and selfless love, fitting Joseph's actions.
Acts 11:24The term 'good' used for Joseph is also used for Barnabas, indicating a person of exceptional character, filled with the Holy Spirit and known for generosity, which helps us understand the depth of Joseph's nature.
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" but also "good," suggesting a deeper kindness and benevolence beyond mere adherence to rules, pointing to a man whose character was shaped by anticipation of God's kingdom. This detail is crucial because it implies his actions, particularly his bold request for Jesus' body, stemmed from a heart of active compassion, not just legal correctness.
Jesus has just been crucified, and as the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, there's an urgent need to bury his body. In this critical moment, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward to claim the body and provide him with an honorable burial in his own new tomb. This action is set against the backdrop of the religious leaders' swift and decisive condemnation of Jesus, highlighting Joseph's courageous dissent and willingness to risk his reputation.
Jesus has just been crucified, and as the Sabbath is rapidly approaching, there's an urgent need to bury his body. In this critical moment, a respected member of the Jewish council, Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, steps forward to claim the body and provide him with an honorable burial in his own new tomb. This action is set against the backdrop of the religious leaders' swift and decisive condemnation of Jesus, highlighting Joseph's courageous dissent and willingness to risk his reputation.
"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, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God." — Luke highlights Joseph not just as "righteous" but also "good," suggesting a deeper kindness and benevolence beyond mere adherence to rules, pointing to a man whose character was shaped by anticipati…
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Last reviewed October 2026
