Joseph of Arimathea
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “He will add (Joseph)”
A rich and honorable member of the Sanhedrin, a secret disciple, who boldly asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in his own new tomb.
Biography
Joseph of Arimathea was "an honourable counsellor" — a respected member of the Sanhedrin — and a rich man who was secretly a disciple of Jesus "for fear of the Jews" (Mark 15:43; John 19:38). He had not consented to the council's decision to condemn Jesus (Luke 23:50–51).
A bold request
After the crucifixion, Joseph "went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus" (Mark 15:43) — a courageous, public act for a secret disciple. With Nicodemus, who brought spices, he took the body down, wrapped it in clean linen, and laid it in his own new tomb hewn in the rock, where no one had yet been laid (Matthew 27:59–60; John 19:39–42).
Fulfilling prophecy
In burying Jesus in his own rich man's tomb, Joseph unknowingly fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that the suffering Servant would be "with the rich in his death" (Isaiah 53:9). His care for the body of Christ, when the apostles had scattered, marks him as a quiet hero of the passion.
Life Timeline
Asks Pilate for Jesus' body and lays it in his own tomb
Themes & lessons from Joseph of Arimathea
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Joseph of Arimathea appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 4 booksMatthew1 verse
Matthew 27:57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
Mark1 verse
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Luke1 verse
Luke 23:51
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
John1 verse
John 19:38
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Frequently asked about Joseph of Arimathea
Who was Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?
A rich and honorable member of the Sanhedrin, a secret disciple, who boldly asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in his own new tomb.
What does the name Joseph of Arimathea mean?
The name Joseph of Arimathea means “He will add (Joseph)”.
Where does Joseph of Arimathea appear in the Bible?
Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned 4 times across 4 books: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
What can we learn from Joseph of Arimathea?
The story of Joseph of Arimathea touches on themes of joseph, pilate, pontius, alliance and society with the enemies of god, burial — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Joseph of Arimathea's life.
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