“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.”
— Matthew 27:57–58, KJV
The Man from Arimathea
Joseph of Arimathea appears briefly in the Gospel narratives, yet his actions were profoundly significant. He was described as a rich man, a counsellor, and a disciple of Jesus—though secretly, “for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). Arimathea was likely a small Judean town, though its exact location is uncertain. What we do know is that Joseph was a man of both status and reputation.
He was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council that had condemned Jesus to death. However, the Gospel of Luke records that Joseph “had not consented to the counsel and deed of them” (Luke 23:51). This means that while he moved among the powerful, he stood apart from their corruption. In the midst of political and religious hostility, Joseph maintained a quiet allegiance to truth—a faith that would soon be tested and revealed.
The Courage to Honor Christ
After Jesus was crucified, most of His disciples had fled in fear. Yet it was Joseph of Arimathea who stepped forward when courage was most needed. As evening fell, he went directly to Pontius Pilate and boldly requested the body of Jesus. This was no small act. To associate oneself with an executed “criminal” could destroy one’s reputation, wealth, and influence. But Joseph no longer hid his devotion.
Joined by Nicodemus—the Pharisee who once came to Jesus by night—Joseph tenderly prepared the body of Christ for burial. Together they wrapped it in linen, anointed it with spices, and placed it in Joseph’s own new tomb hewn out of rock (John 19:39–42). This was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the Messiah:
“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…”
— Isaiah 53:9
Joseph’s tomb became the sacred chamber where the greatest miracle in history would unfold—the resurrection of the Son of God.
A Symbol of True Discipleship
Joseph of Arimathea represents the believer who transitions from silent faith to bold confession. For a time, he was a disciple in secret. But when others turned away, Joseph came forward. The crucifixion exposed the hearts of men—fear silenced some, hatred drove others—but for Joseph, the cross ignited courage.
His story teaches us that discipleship cannot remain hidden forever. There comes a moment when allegiance to Christ must be shown openly, no matter the cost. Joseph’s courage was rewarded not only with honor in Scripture but with the privilege of caring for the body of the Savior. What the world saw as shame, Joseph saw as sacred duty.
The Prophetic Picture
In a prophetic sense, Joseph’s act foreshadowed the faith of the remnant—those who would remain faithful even when the world rejects Christ. Just as Joseph gave his own tomb for the Lord’s burial, so too must believers surrender their earthly possessions and reputations for the glory of the risen King.
His actions also point to the transition from death to resurrection, from hidden faith to public witness. The tomb that seemed to seal Christ’s defeat became the gateway of eternal victory.
Conclusion
Joseph of Arimathea stands as a quiet yet powerful witness in the Gospel story. He was a man of influence, conviction, and ultimate courage. When others hid in fear, Joseph stepped into the light of faith.
Through his reverence for the crucified Christ, the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, and the stage was set for the resurrection. His life challenges every believer to move from secret belief to visible devotion—no longer fearing the cost, but embracing the privilege of being known as a disciple of Jesus.