In brief
Joseph of Arimathea is a rich man, a respected member of the council, good and righteous, who is waiting for the kingdom of God. The Gospels specify that he is a disciple of Jesus, in secret for fear of the Jews, and that he had not consented to the council's decision. After Jesus dies, he boldly asks Pilate for the body, wraps it in a linen shroud and lays it in a new tomb cut in the rock. His story shows that a quiet faith can become courageous at the decisive moment.
What does the name Joseph of Arimathea mean?
Joseph is a Hebrew name generally linked to the idea of "he adds." The Bible explains it in Genesis 30:23-24, where Rachel gives this name to her son, asking that the LORD add another son to her. Arimathea refers to his town: Luke 23:51 describes it as a city of the Jews.
The story of Joseph of Arimathea
A rich, good and righteous man
Luke 23:50-51 and Mark 15:43Luke presents him as a council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He is from Arimathea, a Jewish town, and he is waiting for the kingdom of God. Mark describes him as a respected member of the council who was also looking for the kingdom of God. Matthew specifies that he is rich.
A disciple in secret
John 19:38 and Matthew 27:57Matthew notes that this rich man from Arimathea was also a disciple of Jesus. John specifies that he was one in secret, for fear of the Jews. During Jesus' ministry, his faith remained quiet. Yet at the moment when all the disciples had scattered, he chooses to show himself, despite the fear he had.
He dares to ask for the body of Jesus
Mark 15:42-45 and Matthew 27:58When evening comes, on the day before the Sabbath, Joseph boldly goes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. Pilate is surprised that Jesus has died so soon, questions the centurion to make sure, then gives the body to Joseph. Appearing before the governor like this, on behalf of a crucified man, takes courage.
The burial in his new tomb
Matthew 27:59-60 and John 19:39-42Joseph takes the body, wraps it in a clean linen shroud and lays it in a new tomb that he had cut in the rock. Then he rolls a large stone against the entrance. John adds that Nicodemus also comes, bringing about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes, and that the body is bound in linen cloths with the spices.
What Joseph of Arimathea teaches us
- A faith that has stayed quiet can become courageous when the time comes to declare it.
- Joseph puts his wealth and his new tomb at the service of Jesus: what we own can honor the Lord.
- Waiting for the kingdom of God, like Joseph, shows itself in concrete actions.
- God uses people we did not expect to fulfill the Scriptures.
Key verses
There was a council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action. Joseph stands apart from the council that condemned Jesus.
Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asks Pilate for permission to take the body. His fear does not stop his act of faithfulness.
Joseph, a respected member of the council, took courage and went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. He takes a real risk by publicly identifying with the crucified Jesus.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?
Joseph of Arimathea is a rich, good and righteous council member, a secret disciple of Jesus. After the crucifixion, he asks Pilate for his body, takes it down from the cross, wraps it in a linen shroud and lays it in his own new tomb (Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:43-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42).
What does the name Joseph mean?
Joseph is a Hebrew name generally linked to the idea of "he adds." The Bible explains it in Genesis 30:23-24, at the birth of the son of Jacob and Rachel. For Joseph of Arimathea, it is not explained: Arimathea only indicates his town of origin.
Where can I find the story of Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?
He appears in all four Gospels, at the time of the burial of Jesus: Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-54 and John 19:38-42. Each account adds a detail: his wealth, his courage, his righteousness or his secret waiting.