Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph’s courage isn't just about overcoming personal fear; it’s a direct response to Jesus’ death, showing how Christ’s ultimate sacrifice can transform even a secret believer into someone willing to "dare all possible consequences." This boldness, highlighted by Mark, reveals that the most seemingly hopeless moments can actually empower us to take courageous action for what we believe in.
Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
With Jesus’s crucifixion complete and the Sabbath rapidly approaching, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council who had secretly believed in Jesus, bravely steps forward. He risks his reputation and safety by boldly approaching Pilate, the Roman governor, to request Jesus's body for burial. This act of courage is crucial because it ensures Jesus receives a proper burial before the holy day, preventing his body from being left on the cross as was customary for criminals.
Joseph was a secret follower of Jesus, yet in the darkest hour, he took a courageous public step. What does this shift reveal about faith?
Joseph of Arimathea is described as a 'respected member of the council' and a 'secret disciple' (John 19:38). This means he held a position of influence but had hidden his allegiance to Jesus, likely out of fear of the Jewish leaders.
A Turning Point
But look at this moment! With Jesus condemned, crucified, and seemingly defeated, Joseph 'took courage and went to Pilate.' This wasn't a small thing. He risked his reputation, his position, and potentially his safety to ask for Jesus' body.
Why the Boldness?
His prior fear vanished, replaced by a daring resolve. The commentaries suggest that the very death of Jesus, which looked like an ending to others, became the cause of Joseph's confidence. It was an act of profound love and a public declaration that he, unlike his colleagues on the council, believed in Jesus.
Joseph wasn't just a follower; he was 'looking for the kingdom of God.' What does this deep longing mean, and how did it fuel his actions?
The verse tells us Joseph was 'looking for the kingdom of God.' This wasn't a passive wish; it was an active anticipation for the promised reign of God and the Messiah.
A Patient Expectation
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Think of Simeon and Anna in Jesus' early life – they also 'waited' with deep longing for God's kingdom to be established (Luke 2:25, 38). Joseph shared this profound hope. He believed in a future where God's rule would be fully realized, bringing justice and restoration.
Faith in a Crushed Messiah
When Jesus' life ended so tragically, the hope for God's kingdom could have easily died for many. But Joseph's sustained hope meant he could see beyond the immediate horror of the cross. He believed this wasn't the end of God's plan. This conviction gave him the courage to honor Jesus' body, acting in faith even when Jesus appeared defeated.
In a Roman world where crucifixion victims were often left to rot, Joseph's request for Jesus' body was radical. What does this act of burial signify?
Under Roman law, crucifixion was a brutal public spectacle meant to deter crime. The bodies of executed criminals were often left on crosses to be scavenged by birds or decay, a final mark of shame.
A Dignified Entombment
Joseph’s request to Pilate and his subsequent actions (as detailed in Matthew and Luke) were a stark contrast. He treated Jesus’ body with the utmost honor, wrapping it in a clean linen cloth and placing it in his own new tomb.
Divine Providence
This wasn't just a personal act of kindness; it fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9 predicted the suffering servant would be 'assigned a tomb with the wicked, and with the rich in his death'). It also served as a crucial sign that Jesus had truly died, removing any doubt before the resurrection. Joseph’s willingness to provide such a dignified burial, especially given the ritual impurity it would cause him during Passover, highlights the profound significance of honoring the body of Christ.
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
A reference to the messianic expectation of the reign of God, both as a present spiritual reality in the hearts of believers and as a future, visible manifestation of God’s ultimate rule over all creation.
aiteō · Greek Verb
The act of asking or demanding something, often implying the pursuit of a specific goal or favor. In this context, it highlights the bold request for the body of Jesus.
Joseph's bold act of asking Pilate for Jesus' body highlights a dramatic shift from his previous hidden discipleship, demonstrating how the events of the cross could inspire courage even in those who feared exposure.
c. 30 BC - 33 AD
Pontius Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea during the time of Jesus' ministry and crucifixion. His authority was crucial for the execution of Jesus and the events surrounding it.
c. AD 26-36
Joseph of Arimathea's Discipleship
Joseph, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin), was a secret disciple of Jesus, not having agreed with the council's decision to condemn Him.
Early April, AD 30 or 33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman soldiers under Pilate's orders. His body is left on the cross as the Jewish Sabbath (Passover preparation day) approaches.
Evening of the Crucifixion— this verse
Joseph of Arimathea Requests the Body
Joseph, overcoming his fear and acting boldly, approaches Pontius Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial before the Sabbath begins.
Evening of the Crucifixion
Jesus is Buried in a New Tomb
Joseph, with the permission of Pilate, takes Jesus' body, wraps it in linen, and places it in his own new tomb, sealing it with a stone.
The Following Days
Women Witness the Burial
Certain women, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, observe where Jesus is laid, preparing to anoint His body later.
This passage directly states Joseph was a secret disciple, highlighting the courage mentioned in Mark 15:43 when he openly approached Pilate after Jesus' death.
Luke 23:50-51This verse describes Joseph as a good and righteous man who did not agree with the council's decision, providing context for his later actions and explaining his membership in the council mentioned in Mark 15:43.
Matthew 27:57Matthew also identifies Joseph as a rich man and a disciple, reinforcing the significance of his wealth and status in making his bold request for Jesus' body.
Philippians 2:7-8This passage speaks of Christ humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant, which contrasts with Joseph's position as a respected 'counselor' who nevertheless cared for Jesus' body in death.
Hebrews 11:1The definition of faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen' resonates with Joseph, who was 'looking for the kingdom of God' and acted on that hope even in Jesus' apparent defeat.
gillMark 15:43: "Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor,.... A man of a good aspect, well dressed, and that behaved well and honourably in his office, as a counsellor: he seems to have been a priest, and one of the bench of priests that sat in the high priest's chamber, which is called, , "the chamber of the counsellors" (d); with whom…
clarkeMark 15:43: "Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."
Went in boldly unto Pilate - He who was a coward before now acts a more open, fearless part, than any of the disciples of our Lord! This the Holy Spirit has thought worthy of especial notice. It needed no small measure of courage to declare now for Jesus, who had been a few hours ago condemned as a blasphemer by the Jews, and…
Joseph’s courage isn't just about overcoming personal fear; it’s a direct response to Jesus’ death, showing how Christ’s ultimate sacrifice can transform even a secret believer into someone willing to "dare all possible consequences." This boldness, highlighted by Mark, reveals that the most seemingly hopeless moments can actually empower us to take courageous action for what we believe in.
With Jesus’s crucifixion complete and the Sabbath rapidly approaching, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council who had secretly believed in Jesus, bravely steps forward. He risks his reputation and safety by boldly approaching Pilate, the Roman governor, to request Jesus's body for burial. This act of courage is crucial because it ensures Jesus receives a proper burial before the holy day, preventing his body from being left on the cross as was customary for criminals.
With Jesus’s crucifixion complete and the Sabbath rapidly approaching, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council who had secretly believed in Jesus, bravely steps forward. He risks his reputation and safety by boldly approaching Pilate, the Roman governor, to request Jesus's body for burial. This act of courage is crucial because it ensures Jesus receives a proper burial before the holy day, preventing his body from being left on the cross as was customary for criminals.
"Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." — Joseph’s courage isn't just about overcoming personal fear; it’s a direct response to Jesus’ death, showing how Christ’s ultimate sacrifice can transform even a secret believer into someone willing t…
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Last reviewed October 2026