When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse quietly reveals Joseph as a secret disciple, highlighting that his faith was genuine but hidden from public view due to fear of the Jewish authorities. This detail emphasizes that true discipleship isn't always loud or visible, and God sees and works through those who follow Him even in quiet ways.
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
With Jesus' body dead and the Sabbath nearing, a wealthy and respected council member, Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple, steps forward to claim Jesus' body for burial. This discreet action happens as evening falls, just before the Sabbath's start, contrasting with the disciples' fear and absence. He is later joined by Nicodemus, another secret follower, as they prepare Jesus for a hasty but honorable tomb.
When Jesus' closest followers scattered in fear, who stepped forward in His darkest hour? It wasn't who you might expect.
As evening fell on the day of Jesus' crucifixion, a crucial moment arrived. The Sabbath was nearing, and Jewish law required that bodies not remain on the cross. In this atmosphere of fear and confusion, a man named Joseph, a rich and respected member of the Sanhedrin, arrived. He was not one of the twelve disciples who had followed Jesus publicly, but a secret follower. Despite his high standing and the potential risk, he bravely went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. This act of courage from a man who had kept his discipleship quiet speaks volumes about his deep conviction.
The clock was ticking towards the Sabbath. Why was this specific timing so critical for Joseph's bold move?
The 'evening' mentioned in the verse wasn't just any time of day; it marked the approach of the Jewish Sabbath, which began at sunset. For crucified criminals, there was a mandate: their bodies had to be removed before the Sabbath began. This created a race against time. Joseph, a man of influence and respectability (even a member of the very council that condemned Jesus), was able to approach Pilate. His wealth and status likely facilitated this access. But more importantly, his decision to act within this tight timeframe demonstrates a profound commitment to honoring Jesus, even in death, and fulfilling what many believed to be prophetic requirements for the Messiah's burial.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Refers to a student or follower of a teacher or master; in the New Testament, it describes those who have committed themselves to follow the teachings and person of Jesus Christ.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Jesus is crucified on Golgotha, dying around the ninth hour (3 PM). This occurs on the day before the Sabbath.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon
Joseph of Arimathea Claims the Body
As the Jewish Sabbath (beginning at sunset) approaches, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple and wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, requests Jesus' body from Pilate. He is motivated by his faith and the Jewish law requiring burial before the Sabbath.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon/early evening
Jesus is Buried
Joseph, likely aided by Nicodemus, wraps Jesus' body in fine linen and places it in Joseph's own new tomb, a rock-cut cave, near the crucifixion site. A large stone is rolled to seal the entrance.
c. 30 AD, the Sabbath (Saturday)
Chief Priests Secure the Tomb
Fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim Jesus rose, the chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate to seal the tomb and post a guard. Pilate agrees, further securing the tomb.
This passage directly complements Matthew 27:57 by naming Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as secret disciples who, emboldened by Jesus' death, finally came forward to care for His body.
Isaiah 53:9The prophecy in Isaiah that the suffering servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in his death' finds a remarkable fulfillment in Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, providing Jesus' burial.
Luke 23:50-51Luke provides context for Joseph of Arimathea being a respected member of the Sanhedrin, a council that condemned Jesus, highlighting the courage and conviction it took for him to act as he did.
Mark 15:43Mark echoes Matthew's description of Joseph, adding that he was 'a prominent member of the Council, who was himself also waiting for the kingdom of God,' revealing his deep hope and commitment.
clarkeMatthew 27:57: "When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:"
When the even - This must have been about three o'clock, or a little after; for our Lord having expired about three o'clock, Matthew 27:46 , and the Jewish passover beginning about four, it was necessary that Joseph, who would not fail to eat the passover at the usual time, should have obtained and buried the body of Christ some time before four o'clock. But such was…
gillMatthew 27:57: "When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:"
When the even was come,.... The second evening, when it was just at sunset; at which time the Jewish sabbath began, and when the bodies of those that were crucified, must be taken down; and if not dead, their bones must be broken, and they dispatched, in order to be interred in the common burying place of malefactors: there came a rich man Arimathea: not from thence…
The verse quietly reveals Joseph as a secret disciple, highlighting that his faith was genuine but hidden from public view due to fear of the Jewish authorities. This detail emphasizes that true discipleship isn't always loud or visible, and God sees and works through those who follow Him even in quiet ways.
With Jesus' body dead and the Sabbath nearing, a wealthy and respected council member, Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple, steps forward to claim Jesus' body for burial. This discreet action happens as evening falls, just before the Sabbath's start, contrasting with the disciples' fear and absence. He is later joined by Nicodemus, another secret follower, as they prepare Jesus for a hasty but honorable tomb.
With Jesus' body dead and the Sabbath nearing, a wealthy and respected council member, Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple, steps forward to claim Jesus' body for burial. This discreet action happens as evening falls, just before the Sabbath's start, contrasting with the disciples' fear and absence. He is later joined by Nicodemus, another secret follower, as they prepare Jesus for a hasty but honorable tomb.
"When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus." — The verse quietly reveals Joseph as a secret disciple, highlighting that his faith was genuine but hidden from public view due to fear of the Jewish authorities. This detail emphasizes that true…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026