Luke 23:55

But the women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. Above it is written that all his acquaintances stood at a distance, and the women who had followed him. Therefore, after his acquaintances of …

And the women also which came with him from Galilee,.... See Gill on Luk 23:49. followed after; Joseph; and those that were with him, when they carried the body of Jesus, in order to inter it: and beheld, the sepulchre; took notice of it, what an one it was, whereabout it stood in the garden, that they might know, and find it again: and how his body was laid; in what position, form, and order; and observed that it was only wrapped in linen, and not anointed, or embalmed.

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

The women also, which came - These were Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, Luk 24:10. To these three, Mark, in Mar 16:1, adds, Salome; but some think that this was only a surname of one of these Marys.

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.)