Breakdown of Matthew 27:57-58

"When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him." — What's easily missed here is that Joseph, a rich and respected member of the Jewish ruling council, was a secret disciple. His coming forward at this dark hour, immediately after Jesus' death and j…

Matthew 27:57-58 Meaning Explained

All verses

Matthew 27:57-58

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What's easily missed here is that Joseph, a rich and respected member of the Jewish ruling council, was a secret disciple. His coming forward at this dark hour, immediately after Jesus' death and just before the Sabbath, shows a bold act of faith that defied his public standing and his fear of Jewish reprisal.

What Matthew 27:57-58 means

Following Jesus' crucifixion, as the Jewish Sabbath was approaching at sunset, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin named Joseph, who was secretly a disciple of Jesus, bravely steps forward. He approaches Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial before the Sabbath begins, a stark contrast to the disciples' fear and absence in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' death. This act sets the stage for the honorable burial and the subsequent events of the resurrection.

A High-Stakes Decision

The cross is empty, the disciples are scattered in fear, and the Sabbath is fast approaching. Who steps into this void?

This verse introduces Joseph of Arimathea at a pivotal moment. The Jewish day was ending, and the Sabbath was about to begin. According to Jewish law, crucified criminals were not to remain on the cross during the Sabbath. This created an urgent situation for the body of Jesus.

Joseph, a rich and respected member of the Sanhedrin, steps forward. This wasn't just any man; he was part of the very council that had condemned Jesus. Yet, he acts decisively, demonstrating immense courage in the face of intense social and political pressure.

His decision to claim Jesus' body was not a casual act. It meant aligning himself, however privately at first, with a condemned criminal, risking his reputation and safety.

The Power of Wealth and Influence

Why mention that Joseph was 'rich'? What advantage did his status give him in this critical hour?

The Gospels don't just present Joseph as a brave man; they also point to his wealth and status as key factors in his ability to act.

Being a 'rich man' and a member of the Sanhedrin meant Joseph had access and influence. This likely enabled him to approach Pilate directly and make his request for Jesus' body without significant hindrance. In a situation where ordinary disciples might have been too terrified or powerless to act, Joseph's social standing provided a pathway.

This detail reminds us that God can use all sorts of people, with all their unique gifts and resources, for His purposes. Even the wealth and influence of a powerful man could be directed towards fulfilling the needs of Christ's burial.

A Disciple's Quiet Devotion

He was a disciple, but a secret one. What does this tell us about faith in the face of extreme adversity?

The phrase 'who also was a disciple of Jesus' is profoundly important. It reveals that Joseph, despite his prominent role in the Jewish leadership, had secretly committed his life to Christ.

His discipleship was tested like never before. While the other known disciples fled or hid, Joseph, though initially secret, was compelled by love and loyalty to act. His decision to claim the body and provide a proper burial, as foretold in Scripture, was a powerful, albeit late, public affirmation.

Understand the original words

Original language

discipleμαθητής

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.

bodyσῶμα

sōma · Greek Noun

A physical remains of a person after death; in theology, often contrasted with the spirit or soul, but also viewed as part of the human person created by God, destined for future resurrection in the context of Christ's work.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 70-100 AD, though debated.
Author: Traditionally Matthew the Apostle, though some scholars suggest a later author.
Location: Written from an unknown location, likely within Roman Palestine. Events described occur in Jerusalem and Judea.
Genre: Gospel (narrative with theological reflection); features include genealogy, parables, and fulfillment citations.

Historical background

Joseph of Arimathea's bold act highlights the tension between secret discipleship and public faith, especially in the face of the Sanhedrin's opposition and the fear of Jewish authorities.

c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified on the day before the Passover Sabbath. His death occurs around the ninth hour (3 PM), concluding his atoning work.
c. 30 AD (late afternoon)
Joseph of Arimathea claims the body
As sunset approaches, marking the start of the Sabbath, Joseph, a rich and secret disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate. This act of bravery defied the Sanhedrin, to which he belonged.
c. 30 AD (late afternoon/early evening)
Jesus' burial
Joseph, with Nicodemus's help, wraps Jesus' body in spices and linen, and places it in Joseph's own new tomb near Golgotha before the Sabbath begins at sunset.
c. 30 AD (Sabbath day)
Jewish authorities secure the tomb
Fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim a resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate for a guard to secure Jesus' tomb.

Key themes

01Disciple's hidden faith
02Wealthy follower's action
03Urgency of Sabbath eve

Cross-references

John 19:38

This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea, revealing he was a secret disciple of Jesus, which sheds light on his cautious approach to claiming the body. It highlights that his discipleship, though hidden, was real and motivated his actions.

Isaiah 53:9

This verse prophesies that the Suffering Servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in his death.' Joseph, a rich man, fulfilling this by burying Jesus in his own tomb, demonstrates a profound prophetic connection.

Luke 23:50-51

Luke describes Joseph as a 'good and righteous man' who did not agree with the council's decision against Jesus. This provides important context about Joseph's character and his internal conflict, making his bold move to claim Jesus' body more understandable.

Mark 15:43

Mark also highlights Joseph's honorable status, calling him a 'respected member of the Sanhedrin,' who 'boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.' This emphasizes the courage it took for a man of his standing to act so publicly in Jesus' defense.

Scholarly commentary

Matthew 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…
clarke

Matthew 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…
gill

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What Matthew 27:57-58 means

Original language

discipleμαθητής

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.

bodyσῶμα

sōma · Greek Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely between 70-100 AD, though debated.
Author: Traditionally Matthew the Apostle, though some scholars suggest a later author.
Location: Written from an unknown location, likely within Roman Palestine. Events described occur in Jerusalem and Judea.
Genre: Gospel (narrative with theological reflection); features include genealogy, parables, and fulfillment citations.

Historical background

Joseph of Arimathea's bold act highlights the tension between secret discipleship and public faith, especially in the face of the Sanhedrin's opposition and the fear of Jewish authorities.

c. 30 AD— this verse

Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus is crucified on the day before the Passover Sabbath. His death occurs around the ninth hour (3 PM), concluding his atoning work.

c. 30 AD (late afternoon)

Joseph of Arimathea claims the body

As sunset approaches, marking the start of the Sabbath, Joseph, a rich and secret disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate. This act of bravery defied the Sanhedrin, to which he belonged.

c. 30 AD (late afternoon/early evening)

Jesus' burial

Joseph, with Nicodemus's help, wraps Jesus' body in spices and linen, and places it in Joseph's own new tomb near Golgotha before the Sabbath begins at sunset.

c. 30 AD (Sabbath day)

Jewish authorities secure the tomb

Fearing the disciples might steal the body and claim a resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees ask Pilate for a guard to secure Jesus' tomb.