Luke 23:50-51
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)
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Luke highlights Joseph as "good and righteous," a description that goes beyond mere legal adherence. This implies a deep inner character, suggesting he possessed a benevolent spirit and a proactive kindness that set him apart, even among those who were righteous.
The religious and political leaders have just had Jesus crucified, and as the Sabbath approaches, his body needs to be buried quickly. Amidst this dark moment, a secret follower of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, steps forward to respectfully claim the body and provide a tomb. This act, though done in haste and secrecy due to the Sabbath, honors Jesus and sets the stage for his burial before the women later observe the tomb.
Imagine being part of the 'in' crowd, holding power and influence. Now imagine secretly following Jesus, a man condemned by that very crowd. This was Joseph.
Luke introduces Joseph of Arimathea as a member of the Jewish council, a respected and likely wealthy man. This detail is crucial. The council was the very body that had condemned Jesus. Yet, Luke reveals Joseph was a "good and righteous man" who had not agreed with their decision or their actions against Jesus. His position put him in a difficult spot, but his inner conviction led him to disagree with the status quo, even when it was unpopular and dangerous.
The world saw a condemned criminal. Joseph saw a Savior who deserved an honorable burial. What does it take to act when everyone else is silent or celebratory of injustice?
When Jesus died, the disciples scattered, and fear gripped those who followed him. But Joseph, despite his high standing and the risks involved, boldly went to Pilate to request Jesus' body. This wasn't a small act; it required immense courage to approach the Roman governor and ask for the body of someone just crucified as a traitor. His action demonstrates a faith that moves beyond quiet belief to public, decisive action, even in the face of death and the condemnation of his own people.
Jesus' death looked like the end. But Joseph's actions point to a future hope, transforming a tomb into a prelude to resurrection.
Joseph didn't just bury Jesus; he buried him in his own brand-new tomb, a costly and significant gesture. This act of honorable burial, using a fresh tomb where no one had been laid, signifies more than respect. It foreshadows the new life Jesus would bring. By providing such a pristine resting place, Joseph was, perhaps unknowingly, participating in God's plan to signal the absolute newness of Christ's resurrection. His willingness to use his resources and status for this purpose shows a deep commitment to honoring God's Son, even in death.
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.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem. His body is quickly buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea before the Sabbath begins.
c. 27-30 AD
Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) Convenes
The religious council, of which Joseph was a member, condemned Jesus. Joseph, however, did not agree with their decision or actions.
c. 27-30 AD
Roman Procurator Pilate Rules Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman governor and held the authority to permit or deny the release of executed bodies for burial.
c. 27-30 AD
The Sabbath Preparation Day
The day of Jesus' burial was the 'preparation day' for the Sabbath, meaning burial had to be completed before sunset, emphasizing the haste involved.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea as a rich man and a disciple of Jesus, highlighting his bold action in requesting Jesus' body, which complements Luke's description of him as good and righteous.
Mark 15:43Mark also identifies Joseph as an 'honorable counselor' who 'boldly' went to Pilate, reinforcing Luke's portrayal of Joseph's character and his courage in a risky situation.
John 19:38John mentions Joseph, along with Nicodemus, in the act of burying Jesus, showing a partnership in this significant event and underscoring their commitment to Jesus even after His death.
Romans 5:7The New Testament usage of 'good' (agathos) in Romans 5:7 suggests a benevolent and beneficial character, which aligns with Luke's unique description of Joseph as 'good' in addition to being 'just'.
Acts 11:24Barnabas is described as 'good' (agathos) in Acts 11:24, indicating a character filled with generosity and a willingness to bring others to God, a quality mirrored in Joseph's selfless act.
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 as "good and righteous," a description that goes beyond mere legal adherence. This implies a deep inner character, suggesting he possessed a benevolent spirit and a proactive kindness that set him apart, even among those who were righteous.
The religious and political leaders have just had Jesus crucified, and as the Sabbath approaches, his body needs to be buried quickly. Amidst this dark moment, a secret follower of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, steps forward to respectfully claim the body and provide a tomb. This act, though done in haste and secrecy due to the Sabbath, honors Jesus and sets the stage for his burial before the women later observe the tomb.
The religious and political leaders have just had Jesus crucified, and as the Sabbath approaches, his body needs to be buried quickly. Amidst this dark moment, a secret follower of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, steps forward to respectfully claim the body and provide a tomb. This act, though done in haste and secrecy due to the Sabbath, honors Jesus and sets the stage for his burial before the women later observe the tomb.
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"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 as "good and righteous," a description that goes beyond mere legal adherence. This implies a deep inner character, suggesting he possessed a benevolent spirit and a proactive k…
