Mark 15:43Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This Joseph, who had previously been secretive, displayed remarkable courage following Christ's death. He was not an obscure figure; rather, he was a distinguished member of the council. This context enhances our understanding of his bravery (cf. Luke 23:50). He willingly faced death, drawing the ire of many due to his allegiance to Jesus, as he boldly requested the body of the Lord and persisted until he secured it. Additionally, he did more than merely receive Jesus' body; he honored it with a proper burial and placed it in his own newly hewn tomb, demonstrating both his devotion and valor (cf. Matt. 27:60; Mk. 15:46; Lk. 23:53).

acknowledged Christ as divine, prompting him to undertake a noble act. He did not reflect, 'I am affluent, and I might forfeit my riches should I seek the body of Him condemned for claiming sovereign authority, risking animosity from the Jews.' Instead, he dismissed such thoughts and prioritized one desire – to provide a proper burial for the body of the Condemned. He was 'noble,' embodying honorable, righteous, and flawless character. As for the title of counsellor, it represented a position of respect; indeed, it was a civic role tasked with overseeing court matters while often facing the risks associated with such responsibilities. Let those of means engaged in public service take note that Joseph’s prestigious role as counsellor in no way impeded his righteousness.

At noon, He was nailed to the cross, and at three in the afternoon, He breathed His last. Before twilight, He was laid to rest in the grave. Throughout the Sabbath, He stayed in the tomb where Joseph of Arimathea had placed Him.

When he acted with boldness, he approached Pilate to request the body of Jesus. A remarkable transformation had occurred in Joseph! While Christ lived, surrounded by the majesty of the Miracle Worker and extraordinary Teacher, Joseph was hesitant to openly express his admiration. Yet now, after Jesus had suffered on the cross, and when showing respect for Him could provoke the Sanhedrin's ire, Joseph, a member of that very council, openly proclaimed his devotion to Jesus. The audacity and resolve it took for Joseph to undertake such an act are commendable. He approached Pilate to seek permission for the burial of the Crucified One. Despite Pilate acknowledging Jesus' innocence, he still condemned Him as a false King of the Jews.

Since the blessed Joseph was entrusted with the burial of the Lord's body, the Evangelists chose not to provide further details about him elsewhere, thereby giving us a comprehensive account here. His name was Joseph, originating from Arimathea, which is the hometown of the Prophet Samuel. He was noted for his virtuous character, described as both honest and honorable; as the inspired Luke states, he was "a good and righteous man" (Luke 23:50). His position was that of a counselor, comprising one of the elders involved in governance and judicial matters. Matthew attests to his wealth by saying, "A rich man came from Arimathea, named Joseph" (Matthew 27:57).

As evening approached, it was time to remove the bodies from the crosses, ensuring they would not remain there during the Passover celebrations. At this point, a wealthy man named Joseph from Arimathea, a prominent city among the Jews, approached Pilate. He was a respected member of the Sanhedrin, known for his goodness and integrity, who had not participated in the plot devised by the chief priests and Pharisees against Jesus. This is confirmed by the Evangelist Luke, who notes that Joseph had not been part of the Sanhedrin's assembly that condemned Jesus to death. He was a disciple of the Lord, though he kept his faith private due to fear of the repercussions from the Sanhedrin, which threatened any public followers with expulsion from the synagogues. Nevertheless, Joseph held a firm belief in the coming of God's kingdom. Therefore, he now sought permission from Pilate to take the body of Jesus for burial.

A prominent member of the council refers to an individual of great respect and influence within the highest Jewish authority, the Sanhedrin. This person anticipated the arrival of God's kingdom, likely viewing Jesus as the awaited Messiah. Like many others of that era, including the Apostles themselves until that point, he expected the establishment of the earthly kingdom under the Messiah. However, it seems that the devastation of this hope brought on by the death of Jesus Christ, as noted in Luke 24:21, did not diminish his devotion to the Lord. Despite potential persecution or hardship from his fellow council members, he chose to honor the crucified Savior with his final respects.

Once the death of the crucified had been confirmed, the bodies were to be removed from the crosses to ensure they did not mar the sacred days of the festival. It is likely that the bodies of the thieves were interred at Golgotha. Two of Christ's discreet followers, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, took it upon themselves to ensure that Jesus received a proper burial. Both were part of the Sanhedrin. Mark refers to Joseph as "a prominent member of the council," while Luke describes him as a righteous and honorable man who did not participate in the unlawful trial that led to Christ's death. Joseph requested Pilate’s authorization to lay Jesus to rest near Golgotha, specifically in his own garden within a newly hewn tomb.

Joseph of Arimathea. Arimathea, known as Ramah, is the Jewish community where Joseph originated. He was a notable member of the Sanhedrin, eagerly anticipating the reign of God. Joseph, a man of integrity and honesty, did not partake in the treacherous council that opposed Jesus. Although he was fearful of persecution from the Jewish authorities, he remained a covert follower of Christ, belonging to the true Israelites who longed for God's kingdom. He took a bold step, challenging the potential wrath of the high priests, who viewed this act as a serious infraction against the Sanhedrin.