Bible Figure
Joseph of Arimathea
disciple of Jesus, donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea was a respected council member and a disciple of Jesus who courageously asked Pontius Pilate for Jesus' body after the crucifixion. He placed Jesus in a new rock-cut tomb, providing the burial setting from which the resurrection narratives proceed.
Biography
All four Gospels identify Joseph of Arimathea in connection with Jesus' burial. Mark calls him a respected member of the council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God and says he boldly approached Pilate to request Jesus' body. Matthew calls him a rich man and disciple of Jesus and says the tomb was Joseph's own new tomb. Luke describes him as a good and righteous man who had not consented to the council's decision and action. John says he was a disciple secretly because of fear of the Jewish authorities and records that Nicodemus joined him, bringing burial spices. Joseph took Jesus' body, wrapped it in linen, and placed it in a tomb where no one had yet been laid. Women who followed Jesus observed where the body was placed.
Biblical Significance
Joseph is crucial to the historical sequence of the Passion and resurrection accounts. His public act of requesting and burying Jesus provides a known burial place and demonstrates courageous allegiance at a moment when many disciples had scattered.