Matthew 27:57-58
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Joseph's wealth isn't just a detail; it's the key that unlocked access to Pilate and the body, allowing him to fulfill a prophecy by ensuring Jesus was buried with the rich, not as a common criminal. His discipleship, previously hidden out of fear, now emerges as a bold act of faith and love, stepping forward when the other disciples had scattered in terror.
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)
As Jesus' life on earth concludes with His crucifixion, the immediate aftermath is marked by the urgency to bury His body before the Sabbath begins at sunset. Amidst the general shock and confusion, a respected but previously secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea steps forward. He, along with Nicodemus who appears shortly after, takes the radical step of claiming Jesus' body from Pilate and giving Him a proper burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
As the last rays of sun disappear, a race against time begins. Why was this particular moment so critical for Joseph's actions?
The verse tells us "When the even was come." In Jewish tradition, two evenings were recognized. The first began around 3 PM, marking the end of the workday and the approach of the Sabbath. The second began at sunset (around 6 PM), when the Sabbath officially started.
This timing was crucial for Jesus' burial. The Law required that a crucified person be buried before sunset, especially if it fell on a Sabbath. Jesus died around 3 PM, leaving a very narrow window to get His body down and buried before the Sabbath began at sunset.
Joseph of Arimathea, as a disciple, understood this urgency. His decision to act immediately demonstrates his deep respect for Jewish law and his commitment to honoring Jesus, even in death, under immense pressure and potential social cost.
In the darkest hour, a man of influence steps forward. Who was this Joseph, and why is his 'rich man' status significant?
Matthew introduces Joseph of Arimathea as "a rich man." This detail isn't just a biographical note; it speaks volumes about his standing and the boldness of his actions.
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He followed Jesus, but secretly. What happened at the cross that moved him from the shadows into action?
The verse states Joseph "also himself was Jesus' disciple." John's Gospel clarifies this was a hidden discipleship: "Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38).
Understand the original words
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.
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.
Joseph of Arimathea's action is significant because it highlights how even prominent figures within Jewish society were secretly drawn to Jesus, and his wealth and status provided the means for a respectful burial, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating courage in the face of intense pressure.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified on Golgotha, the common place for criminals, outside the city walls of Jerusalem. The events of the crucifixion and Jesus' death occur late in the afternoon.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon
Joseph of Arimathea claims the body
As the Jewish Sabbath approaches at sunset, Joseph, a wealthy and secret disciple, requests Jesus' body from Pilate. This allows for the body to be buried before the Sabbath begins.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon/evening
Jesus' burial in a new tomb
Joseph of Arimathea, assisted by Nicodemus, buries Jesus' body in Joseph's own new tomb, hewn from rock, near the place of crucifixion.
c. 30 AD, evening
Women observe the burial site
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who had witnessed the crucifixion, observe where Jesus' body is laid and the tomb is sealed.
This passage describes Joseph of Arimathea (along with Nicodemus) as a secret disciple, directly supporting Matthew's description of Joseph's prior hidden commitment to Jesus.
Isaiah 53:9This Old Testament prophecy foretells that the Suffering Servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in his death.' Joseph's act of burying Jesus in his own rich tomb directly fulfills this prophecy.
Luke 23:50-51Luke provides further context on Joseph, calling him a 'good and righteous man' and a member of the Sanhedrin who 'had not agreed to their [the council's] decision and action.' This highlights his moral courage and disagreement with the very men who condemned Jesus, making his discipleship more profound.
Mark 15:43Mark adds that Joseph was 'a respected member of the Sanhedrin who was also waiting for the kingdom of God,' underscoring his noble character and his anticipation of God's reign, which Jesus embodied.
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…
Joseph's wealth isn't just a detail; it's the key that unlocked access to Pilate and the body, allowing him to fulfill a prophecy by ensuring Jesus was buried with the rich, not as a common criminal. His discipleship, previously hidden out of fear, now emerges as a bold act of faith and love, stepping forward when the other disciples had scattered in terror.
As Jesus' life on earth concludes with His crucifixion, the immediate aftermath is marked by the urgency to bury His body before the Sabbath begins at sunset. Amidst the general shock and confusion, a respected but previously secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea steps forward. He, along with Nicodemus who appears shortly after, takes the radical step of claiming Jesus' body from Pilate and giving Him a proper burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
As Jesus' life on earth concludes with His crucifixion, the immediate aftermath is marked by the urgency to bury His body before the Sabbath begins at sunset. Amidst the general shock and confusion, a respected but previously secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea steps forward. He, along with Nicodemus who appears shortly after, takes the radical step of claiming Jesus' body from Pilate and giving Him a proper burial in Joseph's own new tomb.
"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." — Joseph's wealth isn't just a detail; it's the key that unlocked access to Pilate and the body, allowing him to fulfill a prophecy by ensuring Jesus was buried with the rich, not as a common criminal.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
