Topical Bible: The Rich: Joseph of Arimathaea

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Joseph of Arimathaea is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role in the burial of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in all four Gospels, which highlights his importance in the events following the crucifixion. Joseph is described as a wealthy man and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, which adds a layer of complexity to his character and actions.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 27:57-60 : "As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away."

2. Mark 15:43-46 : "Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb."

3. Luke 23:50-53 : "Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He was from Arimathea, a town of Judea, and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid."

4. John 19:38-42 : "Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now there was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. And because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there."

Character and Actions:

Joseph of Arimathaea is portrayed as a man of wealth and influence, yet he is also depicted as a disciple of Jesus, albeit secretly due to fear of the Jewish authorities. His wealth is evident in his ownership of a new tomb, which he generously offers for Jesus' burial. This act of devotion and courage is significant, as it demonstrates his commitment to Jesus despite the potential risks to his status and safety.

Joseph's request to Pilate for Jesus' body is a bold move, indicating his willingness to associate himself with Jesus at a time when the disciples had scattered in fear. His actions fulfill the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being buried with the rich.

Theological Significance:

Joseph of Arimathaea's role in the burial of Jesus is crucial in the narrative of the resurrection. By providing a known and accessible tomb, he inadvertently sets the stage for the empty tomb discovery, a cornerstone of Christian belief in the resurrection. His actions also reflect the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and highlight the theme of God's sovereignty in using individuals from all walks of life to accomplish His divine purposes.

Joseph's account is a testament to the transformative power of faith, as he moves from a secret disciple to a bold actor in the events surrounding Jesus' death and burial. His example encourages believers to act with courage and conviction, even when faced with societal pressures and personal risk.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 27:57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

J. The Death and Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
... The body of Jesus was given burial by Joseph of Arimathaea, a man whom Matthew
designates as rich, Mark as a "councillor of honorable estate," and Luke as ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/j the death and burial.htm

The Crucifixion.
... that is, the day before the sabbath, ^c behold, ^a there came a rich man from
Arimathaea, ^ca city of the Jews, ^a named Joseph, ^b of Arimathaea, ^c who was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 4.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... In this emergency, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus came ... show themselves openly
as His followers, Joseph and Nicodemus ... The help of these rich and honored men ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

Faith
... It is not money in a rich man's hand, though offered to us, that will enrich us,
unless we receive it. ... Joseph of Arimathaea was a disciple of Christ, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

The Gospel According to St. Matthew
... children, the rich young man, the difficulties of the rich (xix ... Jesus and Barabbas,
the mockery, crucifixion, burial by Joseph of Arimathaea, guard granted ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter iii the gospel according.htm

The Burial.
... And after these things, when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathaea,
named Joseph, a councillor of honorable estate, a disciple of Jesus, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the burial.htm

And Judas Iscariot
... In an unguarded moment I determined to leave my ministry and to become rich. ... have
shone to-day in the city of God as shines Joseph of Arimathaea, Paul the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/and judas iscariot.htm

The Gospel According to St. Mark
... children, the rich young man, the difficulties of the rich, Christ's third ... Jesus
and Barabbas, the mockery, crucifixion, burial by Joseph of Arimathaea (xv ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter iv the gospel according.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... to prayer, the Pharisee and publican, little children, the rich young man ... the daughters
of Jerusalem, the crucifixion, burial by Joseph of Arimathaea (xxiii ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Christian Conversation
... tell how God has taken us out of poverty, and made us rich; or, if ... secret for a time,
but they always have to come out, like Joseph of Arimathaea, when he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/christian conversation.htm