who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph of Arimathea wasn't just a secret follower; his refusal to "consent to their counsel and deed" signifies a quiet but firm opposition to the religious establishment's agenda, even before he took the bold step of burying Jesus. This highlights that even within compromised institutions, individuals can hold onto hope for God's kingdom.
who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, who secretly followed Jesus. Unlike the other leaders who plotted and carried out Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph did not agree with their plan or actions. He was waiting for God's promised kingdom, a hope that set him apart from many of his peers.
Have you ever felt out of step with the crowd, holding a belief that goes against the grain? Joseph of Arimathea is a powerful example of someone who dared to disagree, even when it was risky.
The verse highlights Joseph's quiet courage. He was a member of the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, who held the authority to make crucial decisions. Yet, when it came to the plot against Jesus, he 'had not consented to their counsel and deed.'
What keeps you going when things look bleak? For Joseph, it was a deep-seated hope for something greater—a hope that fueled his courage in a moment of profound despair.
The verse concludes by stating Joseph 'was looking for the kingdom of God.' This wasn't just a casual wish; it was a driving force.
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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.
Joseph of Arimathea's actions highlight the tension between societal pressures and personal faith. His quiet hope for God's kingdom motivated him to act decisively in a moment of crisis.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion in Jerusalem. This event is the central point of the Gospels.
c. 27-30 AD
The Sanhedrin's Condemnation
The Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, condemned Jesus, leading to his execution. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of this council, did not agree with their decision.
c. 27-30 AD
Joseph of Arimathea's Discipleship
Joseph, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, was a secret disciple of Jesus, waiting for the kingdom of God.
c. 27-30 AD
Request for Jesus' Body
After Jesus' death, Joseph boldly went to Pilate to request the body, a significant act given the political climate.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Burial
Joseph laid Jesus' body in his own new tomb, a tomb hewn from rock, before the Sabbath began. This act demonstrated respect and hope.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea as a 'rich man' and a disciple, mirroring Luke's description and highlighting his willingness to give Jesus an honorable burial.
Mark 15:43Mark also describes Joseph as a 'respected member of the council' who 'boldly went in to Pilate' to ask for Jesus' body, emphasizing his courage and active pursuit of this task.
John 19:38John adds Nicodemus to Joseph's story, revealing that both were disciples, though Joseph acted more openly in this instance, underscoring the hidden faith of many who followed Jesus.
Luke 2:25This verse mentions Simeon, who was 'waiting for the consolation of Israel,' a concept that parallels Joseph's own waiting for the kingdom of God, showing a shared hope for God's promised redemption.
Psalm 1:1The phrase 'who had not consented to the counsel and deed of them' echoes the Psalmist's description of the blessed man who 'does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,' highlighting Joseph's deliberate separation from the ungodly actions of the council.
vincentLuke 23:51: "(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God."
Consented (συγκατατεθειμένος)Only here in New Testament. Another of Luke's numerous compounds. The Greek student will be struck with the array of compounds, from Luke 23:49 to Luke 23:56, inclusive. The verb means to put (τίθημι), down (κατά), along with (σύν). Hence to put down the same vote or opinion with another: to agree w…
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…
Joseph of Arimathea wasn't just a secret follower; his refusal to "consent to their counsel and deed" signifies a quiet but firm opposition to the religious establishment's agenda, even before he took the bold step of burying Jesus. This highlights that even within compromised institutions, individuals can hold onto hope for God's kingdom.
This verse introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, who secretly followed Jesus. Unlike the other leaders who plotted and carried out Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph did not agree with their plan or actions. He was waiting for God's promised kingdom, a hope that set him apart from many of his peers.
This verse introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council, who secretly followed Jesus. Unlike the other leaders who plotted and carried out Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph did not agree with their plan or actions. He was waiting for God's promised kingdom, a hope that set him apart from many of his peers.
"who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God." — Joseph of Arimathea wasn't just a secret follower; his refusal to "consent to their counsel and deed" signifies a quiet but firm opposition to the religious establishment's agenda, even before he too…
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Last reviewed October 2026