Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • 1st century AD
Joseph of Arimathea
The Secret Disciple Who Buried JesusThe wealthy council member who gave his own new tomb for the burial of Jesus
"And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock."
Matthew 27:60 (KJV)
Overview
Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man and a respected member of the Jewish council who had not consented to the council's decision against Jesus, and who, according to John's Gospel, was a secret disciple for fear of the Jews. After the crucifixion, he boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus and buried it in his own new, unused tomb, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that the Messiah would make his grave with the rich in his death.
Gospel Connection
Joseph of Arimathea's provision of his own tomb for Jesus's burial fulfilled centuries-old prophecy and provided the very location from which the resurrection would be witnessed and verified, since a known, guarded, borrowed tomb belonging to a prominent public figure could not be disputed or confused. His costly, courageous act at the moment of Jesus's greatest apparent defeat became an essential piece of the historical foundation on which faith in the resurrection stands.
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See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.
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