Who Was Joseph of Arimathea? The Secret Disciple Who Buried Jesus

The Bible describes Joseph as “a rich man from Arimathea, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus”. Although a prominent member of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin), he boldly showed his allegiance to Jesus when many others were afraid to.

In the Bible a few people played significant roles in the life of Jesus Christ. Joseph of Arimathea is one of them. His name is popular among many Christians because of the role he played. While he wasn’t one of the twelve apostles, his single, courageous act at the most tragic moment of Jesus’ life secured his place in history. This man wasn’t a stranger to Jesus. We can see from the scriptures that he is the secret disciple who stepped out of the fear of darkness to ensure the Messiah received a proper burial.

I think the most relevant question here is who this man was and why his actions are so critical to the Christian faith.

In this post, I will share with you the biblical account, historical significance, and legendary action surrounding this wonderful person.

The Biblical Account of Joseph of Arimathea

Every Christian may have heard his name. I remember how Sunday school kids easily get it right when asked about who took Jesus’ body to bury in his tomb.

Joseph of Arimathea appears in all four Gospels at the moment of Jesus’ burial, and the authors give us a detailed picture of his character and status. Let’s explore the theme below:

• A Wealthy Man: Matthew identifies Joseph as a rich man, a detail that reveals his actions to the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which stated the Messiah would be “with the rich in his death”.

This prophecy came into fulfillment when this man played that role exactly as prophesied. I do believe God chose him to play that crucial role because He is Omniscient.

• A Member of the Sanhedrin: The Sanhedrin is notoriously known for its hate and opposition against Christ’s teachings. Both Mark and Luke identify this man in question as a respected member of the Council, or the Sanhedrin.

This group of people is the very Jewish ruling body that had condemned Jesus to death. However, Luke is careful to note that Joseph had not consented to their decision and action. So his heart was far from their wicked rulings.

• A Secret Disciple: When we read the book of Matthew and John, they also explicitly call Joseph a disciple of Jesus. John adds that he was secret “for fear of the Jews”.

He was, like Nicodemus who assisted him, a believer who kept his faith hidden from his peers. At that crucial moment —it wasn’t easy to show up as a disciple of Jesus. So that fear was to protect himself from excommunication or any of their hardship treatment as punishment.

Table About his character as described in the Gospels:

His Crucial Role in the Burial of Jesus

After Jesus’ death on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea took a serious risk. He “went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus”. Many of us believe it was the Holy Spirit who gave him that boldness.

This was a courageous move, as associating with a condemned criminal could have cost him his status, wealth, and even his life. Glory be to God for using this man to control the events as already prophesied. This shows that no man or group of people in their own wisdom can beat God’s plan.

Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, with the help of Nicodemus, took Jesus’ body down from the cross. The Bible further said that Nicodemus even bought quality and expensive spices to be used for Christ’s burial.

So they prepared it for burial according to Jewish custom, wrapping it in a clean linen shroud with a mixture of myrrh and aloes.

According to the Bible, Joseph then laid the body in his own new tomb, which had been cut out of rock, and rolled a large stone against the entrance. At that instant prophecy from Isaiah got fulfilled.

This act of devotion ensured that Jesus’ body was not disposed of as a common criminal’s would have been.It was left down into a common grave. It also set the stage for the resurrection, as the empty tomb could be clearly identified and witnessed.

Why Joseph of Arimathea Matters to the Easter Story

Joseph’s actions are far more than a historical record as far as Easter is concerned; they are theologically significant.

• Fulfillment of Prophecy:

His role directly fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which predicted that the suffering servant would be “with the rich in his death”. So by placing Jesus in his own unused, rich man’s tomb, Joseph of Arimathea became an instrument in confirming Jesus as the Messiah. God in His own wisdom allowed these events to unfold to confirm His word.

• Preservation of the Body:

By preserving Jesus’ body from desecration, Joseph’s tomb became the undeniable location from which Jesus would rise. Had Jesus been thrown into a common pit, the physical resurrection could not have been verified with the same clarity.

• An Example of Courage:

Joseph of Arimathea represents everyone who has ever feared going public with their faith. He is a big exemplary lesson for those of us today who believe in Jesus. At the moment of greatest crisis, when the twelve apostles, including Peter, had fled, this secret disciple found the courage to step into the chamber of the wicked Sahendrin council, using his wealth and influence to honor his Lord.

Knowing About Legends and Later Traditions

I have shared details of what the scriptures reveal about Joseph of Arimathea. While the Bible says nothing more about him after the resurrection, it is believed that a wealth of legends about his later life developed during the Middle Ages, particularly in Western Europe.

One of the most acknowledged records of legends connects Joseph of Arimathea to Britain. These stories, which emerged centuries after his life, claim the following:

• Mission to Britain: It is believed Joseph of Arimathea was sent to Britain as a missionary, often said to have been sent by St. Philip, and became the first Christian bishop in the Isles.

• The Holy Grail: In Arthurian legend, which is so popular even in our 21st century. It is known most famously in Robert de Boron’s Joseph d’Arimathie. Legend says that Joseph is the original guardian of the Holy Grail (the cup used at the Last Supper). He was said to have collected Jesus’ blood in the cup and later brought it to Britain.

• The Glastonbury Thorn: Another legend available to us says that when Joseph arrived in Glastonbury, he thrust his staff into the ground, where it miraculously took root and grew into the “Glastonbury Thorn,” a hawthorn tree that flowers twice a year, at Christmas and Easter.

I would like us to take a note here that these are later traditions, not found in the Bible, and historians consider them apocryphal. However, I bet it’s worth knowing these stories too, although I only endorse what’s written in the Bible for my readers.

In a broader perspective, these traditions stir our curiosity and even testify to the enduring fascination with this biblical individual called Joseph of Arimathea.

Lessons from the Life of Joseph of Arimathea

The story of Joseph of Arimathea teaches us valuable lessons as Christians today. Although his story is very brief in Scripture. It offers powerful deep life lessons for believers and non-believers today.

1. It’s Never Too Late to Show Courage: Even a lifetime of secret faith can result in one bold, defining act that honors God.

2. Use Your Resources for God’s Kingdom: Joseph used his wealth (the tomb), his influence (access to Pilate), and his position to serve Jesus at a critical time. In this case, as a Christian, your resources or whatever you have can be dedicated to promoting God’s kingdom business.

3. Don’t Always Follow the Crowd: Joseph did not consent to the Sanhedrin’s decision, showing that righteousness sometimes means standing alone against popular opinion.

It’s about choosing what is right and pleasing in the sight of God rather than men. The Psalmist once wrote; Who are mere mortals that you should be afraid of?

“I, I am the one who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass?” —Isaiah 51:12

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “Arimathea” mean?

Arimathea is believed to be the Greek form of a Hebrew name meaning “heights,” certainly referring to a Judean town about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

2. Is Joseph of Arimathea considered a saint?

Yes, he is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglican traditions. His feast day is celebrated on different dates, including August 31 in the Roman calendar and July 31 in the Eastern Orthodox calendar.

3. Was Joseph Arimathea related to Jesus?

Some extra-biblical traditions and legends suggest he was the great-uncle of Jesus, but the Bible itself makes no such claim and does not indicate a familial relationship. So we can’t accept it as scriptural.

In Summation

Joseph of Arimathea stands as a distinguished individual of faith and courage. Just like Onesiphorus in the life of Apostle Paul. From his position as a wealthy and respected leader, he risked everything to perform a final act of love and devotion for his Savior.

So, by ensuring Jesus was buried in a known, secured tomb, he unknowingly helped set the platform for the most supernatural event in history: the Resurrection.

His story is inspiring to today’s Christianity that even in the darkest hours, one person’s courageous act can play a part in God’s divine plan.

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