John 19:38

After this Joseph of Arimathea.

Joseph of Arimathea is not named except in connection with the burial of Christ, and we know nothing of him save what is related in that connection. We learn by. comparison of statements that he belonged to Arimathea,. place now unknown, that he was. member of the Sanhedrim like Nicodemus, both of whom were absent or overawed during the trial of Christ, that he was. rich man, was. disciple "secretly for fear of the Jews," and in this respect, like Nicodemus, and that he had. new sepulcher "wherein no man had been laid" near where the Lord was crucified. The death of Christ seems to have given new courage to both him and Nicodemus. Coward before, be now boldly asks Pilate for the body, and the secret disciples do not hesitate to take the body from the cross and to bury it lovingly in the new-made, rock-hewn sepulcher.

Pilate gave him leave.

We learn from Mark that Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was so soon dead, and that he sent to ascertain whether it was really true. As soon as he learned, he gave assent. As the Savior died at. o'clock, the burial took place between that hour and sunset.