Matthew 27:57-60
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights Joseph not just as a "rich man" or a "disciple," but specifically as "also himself" a disciple, subtly emphasizing that his discipleship was an additional, perhaps unexpected, facet of his identity alongside his wealth and social standing. This phrasing suggests that his decision to step forward for Jesus' burial, even as a secret follower, was a significant act of faith that aligned with who he truly was.
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. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath is about to begin, a respected but secret follower named Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and a member of the Jewish council, steps forward. He obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus who joins him, gives Jesus a proper burial before sunset. This unexpected act highlights the disciples' absence and fear in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' death.
In the darkest hour, when even the closest disciples scattered, a prominent figure emerges. Who was this man, and what does his presence reveal about following Jesus?
Matthew introduces Joseph of Arimathea as 'a rich man' and 'a disciple of Jesus.' The Gospels paint a picture of a respected member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council (Luke 23:50). This was no ordinary citizen; he was a man of influence and standing. Yet, he was also a secret follower of Jesus (John 19:38). His wealth and position likely contributed to his access to Pilate, enabling him to request Jesus' body for burial. His actions demonstrate that discipleship isn't always loud or public, especially in times of intense persecution.
The events unfold rapidly as evening approaches. What was the urgency, and how did Joseph navigate the religious rules of the day?
The phrase 'When the even was come' signifies the approach of the Jewish evening, which marked the beginning of the Sabbath. According to Jewish law, a crucified person's body could not remain on the cross after sunset on the Sabbath eve (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). This created a critical time crunch. Joseph, needing to bury Jesus before the Sabbath began at sunset, acted swiftly. His request to Pilate and subsequent burial of Jesus were acts of both faith and adherence to practical, though urgent, religious customs, ensuring Jesus received a proper burial, fulfilling prophecy.
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.
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.
sindōn · Greek Noun
Material made from flax, known for its purity and whiteness; in a biblical context, it is frequently associated with priestly garments, royal attire, or, as seen here, burial wrappings, symbolizing purity or reverence for the deceased.
mnēmeion · Greek Noun
A place of burial; symbolically in Scripture, it often represents the finality of death, yet in the context of Jesus, it becomes the site of His victory over death through resurrection.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate. He dies around 3 PM.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon
Jesus' Body Taken Down
As the Jewish Sabbath (Passover eve) approaches at sunset, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple and council member, requests Jesus' body from Pilate. The body is then taken down from the cross.
c. 30 AD, late afternoon/early evening
Jesus' Burial
Joseph of Arimathea, with help from Nicodemus, buries Jesus' body in Joseph's own tomb before the Sabbath begins at sunset.
c. 30 AD
Sabbath Day
The day following Jesus' burial, the Jewish Sabbath, is observed. The chief priests and Pharisees, fearing Jesus' body might be stolen, secure the tomb with a guard and seal.
This passage introduces Joseph of Arimathea as a member of the Sanhedrin, a 'good and righteous man' who did not agree with the council's decision to condemn Jesus, highlighting his respected position and moral compass which sets the stage for his later actions.
John 19:38John's Gospel reveals that Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, explaining why he may have hesitated to come forward publicly before Jesus' death and resurrection, and also introduces Nicodemus, who assists Joseph in burying Jesus.
Isaiah 53:9This prophecy foretells that the Suffering Servant would be 'assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in his death,' which Joseph's actions directly fulfill by providing a rich man's tomb for Jesus.
Matthew 27:59-60These verses describe Joseph taking the body and laying it in his own new tomb, directly following the verse in question and detailing the immediate action taken by this disciple.
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 highlights Joseph not just as a "rich man" or a "disciple," but specifically as "also himself" a disciple, subtly emphasizing that his discipleship was an additional, perhaps unexpected, facet of his identity alongside his wealth and social standing. This phrasing suggests that his decision to step forward for Jesus' burial, even as a secret follower, was a significant act of faith that aligned with who he truly was.
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath is about to begin, a respected but secret follower named Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and a member of the Jewish council, steps forward. He obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus who joins him, gives Jesus a proper burial before sunset. This unexpected act highlights the disciples' absence and fear in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' death.
As Jesus' crucifixion ends and the Sabbath is about to begin, a respected but secret follower named Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and a member of the Jewish council, steps forward. He obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body and, with Nicodemus who joins him, gives Jesus a proper burial before sunset. This unexpected act highlights the disciples' absence and fear in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' death.
"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. And Joseph took the body and wrapped i…" — The verse highlights Joseph not just as a "rich man" or a "disciple," but specifically as "also himself" a disciple, subtly emphasizing that his discipleship was an additional, perhaps unexpected, fa…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
