Luke 23:52

He describes him from his constancy, when he adds: This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus: and this indeed he did with great constancy, fearing neither the ferocity of the Gentiles nor the malice of the chief priests, since, in …

So then being fitted by the righteousness of his works for the burial of our Lord's body, he was worthy by the dignity of his secular power to obtain it.

Joseph had not revealed himself before, but now he does a praiseworthy deed. Despite being a member of the council and a wealthy man, he boldly asks for the body of a Man who was crucified as a rebel and insurrectionist, and pays no attention …

This man went unto Pilate,.... Mark says, he went "boldly" to him; See Gill on Mar 15:43. and begged the body of Jesus; knowing he was dead; that he might bury it, as the Ethiopic version adds, and prevent its being inferred with the two malefactors, or abused by the mob.

Christ Accused and Insulted. 1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

quarantine:scripture (2026-07-29) — scripture-overlap:87%@v1-3

We know nothing of Joseph except what is here told us. In no part of the Acts or Epistles, do we find any mention of his name. At no former period of our Lord's ministry, does he ever come forward. We cannot explain his reason for not openly joining the disciples before this time. But here, at the eleventh hour, this man is not afraid to show himself to be one of our Lord's friends. At the very time when the apostles had forsaken Jesus — Joseph is not ashamed to show his love and respect.

We know nothing of Joseph except what is here told us. In no part of the Acts or Epistles, do we find any mention of his name. At no former period of our Lord's ministry, does he ever come forward. We cannot explain his reason for not openly joining the disciples before this time. But here, at the eleventh hour, this man is not afraid to show himself to be one of our Lord's friends. At the very time when the apostles had forsaken Jesus — Joseph is not ashamed to show his love and respect. Others had confessed Him while He was living and doing miracles. It was reserved for Joseph — to confess Him when He was dead. The history of Joseph is full of instruction and encouragement. It shows us that Christ has friends of whom the Church knows little or nothing — unknown friends who in real love and affection, are second to none. It shows us, above all, that events may bring out grace in quarters where at present we do not expect it; and that the cause of Christ may prove one day to have many supporters, of whose existence we are at present not aware. These are they whom David calls "hidden ones" — and Solomon compares to a "lily among thorns." (Psalm 83:3; Canticles 2:2.) Let us learn from the case of Joseph of Arimathea, to be charitable and hopeful in our judgments. All is not barren in this world — when our eyes perhaps see nothing. There may be some latent sparks of light — when all appears dark. Little plants of spiritual life — may be existing in some remote congregations, which the Father Himself has planted. Grains of true faith may be lying hidden in some neglected English parish, which have been placed there by God. There were seven thousand true worshipers in Israel — of whom Elijah knew nothing. The day of judgment will bring forward men who seemed last — and place them among the first! (1 Kings 19:18.)