Only briefly mentioned in the Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea is a mere footnote in Scripture and a postscript to the great salvation story. THE person we are going to speak of, named Joseph, was a just, holy, pious, and devout man, born at Arimathea, otherwise called Rameth, and afterwards Ramula. Since Jesus’ death occurred around three in the afternoon, the time for burying him before the beginning of the Sabbath at sunset was short. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. (Richard W. Morgan, St. Paul in Britain, 1860, 1984, pp. Virtuous and rich, he held a high office, and he boldly gained Pontius Pilate’s permission to obtain Jesus’ body. Scripture gives no indication of what he did for a living, however, unsubstantiated legend has it that Joseph was a dealer in metal goods. Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Joseph of Arimathea, Donor of Jesus' Tomb. xxxiv.-xxxvii.). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In the apocryphal Gospel of Peter (2nd century), he is a friend of Jesus and of Pilate. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Joseph of Arimathea is a biblical figure who is mentioned in all the four gospels of the New Testament, as the man who buried Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. However, his story teaches us that an ordinary person, living an ordinary life, can be an instrument in the … Another Joseph of Arimathæa will come forward at the desperate moment: just when we cannot do without him the man will be found. Joseph first appears as the legendary Keeper of the Holy Grail in Robert de Boron's Joseph … “Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. Some of the stories say that Joseph was also a soldier of Pilate, and was given the Holy Grail, the cup that Christ used at the Last Supper. Zavada, Jack. 69-70 footnote) OH WOW! The first mention of Joseph of Arimathea in connection with Britain is the 9th century Life of Mary Magdalene by Rabanus Maurus (766-856), Archbishop of Mainz. Joseph of Arimathea risked his reputation and his life by standing up for Jesus, but his faith far outweighed his fear. Joseph of Arimathea donated his new tomb for Jesus to be buried in. Joseph, who is briefly discussed in all four gospel accounts, is a mere footnote in Scripture, but his actions speak volumes and give the working Christian an example of how to live for Christ in a world that opposes Him. Some scholars believe that it is the town of Ramah, Samuel's birthplace, lying about six miles north of Jerusalem in the land of Benjamin. Joseph of Arimathea was not one of the original 12 apostles, but he was a disciple of Jesus and was an important man in his own right. There are many legends about him, including one … While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. This Joseph of Arimathea is, as far as he is described in the gospels, completely identical to Joseph ben Matthias, but known as Flavius Josephus. He was born at Arimathea - hence his surname - "a city of Judea" (Luke, xxiii, 51), which is very likely identical with Ramatha, the birthplace of the Prophet Samuel, although several scholars prefer to identify it with the town of Ramleh. Audio (MP3) December 3, 2000 Joseph of Arimathea Part 1 Close. Zavada, Jack. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. Joseph of Arimathea tells the story of the man who took upon himself the task of burying Jesus after His crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea has a newly acquired estate nearby. The councillor (Lk 23:50) who, after the Crucifixion, requested the body of Christ from Pontius Pilate and provided for a proper burial for Christ. If so, remember Joseph of Arimathea. Mark 15:43, 46 (CSB): “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body….After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen. See Article History St. Joseph of Arimathea, (flourished c. 30 ce; Western feast day March 17, Eastern feast day July 31), according to all four Gospels, a secret … For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Not only did he risk ritual uncleanness by entering the quarters of a pagan, but together with Nicodemus, another Sanhedrin member, he further contaminated himself under Mosaic law, by touching a corpse. Mark 15:43 introduces a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea, a small town northwest of Jerusalem. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. To make sure Jesus received a proper burial, Joseph of Arimathea boldly asked Pontius Pilate for custody of Jesus' body. St. Joseph of Arimathea, (flourished c. 30 ce; Western feast day March 17, Eastern feast day July 31), according to all four Gospels, a secret disciple of Jesus, whose body he buried in his own tomb. For the version of St. Joseph of Arimathea from the legend of King Arthur, see Joseph of Arimathea. The Gospels record that Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy follower of Christ who buried Christ's body in his own tomb after the Crucifixion. Joseph is accorded a long history in later literature. He takes the body from the cross and brings it to his estate. Joseph of Arimathea was referred to by the Romans as 'Nobilis Decurio' or Minister of Mines to the Roman Government. According to the TALMUD Joseph was the great uncle of Jesus. He is one of only two religious leaders of his day that is honored and remembered today by Christian believers. Scholars are divided on the location of Arimathea, but some place it at Ramathaim-zophim in the hilly region of Ephraim, where Samuel the prophet was born. He was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the court which condemned Jesus to death. Joseph’s full title was “The Great Lord Joseph of Arimathea”. John Piper @JohnPiper. The Bible references Joseph of Arimathea in Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-52, and John 19:38. Joseph of Arimathea had been a secret follower of Christ because he feared the Jews, but after the crucifixion, he went to Pilate and boldly asked for Jesus' body. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Joseph of Arimathea All that is known for certain concerning him is derived from the canonical Gospels. Is fear keeping you a secret follower of Jesus? Learn Religions, Jan. 26, 2021, learnreligions.com/joseph-of-arimathea-701077. God will give courage to those who are looking for His kingdom. All four Gospels confirm that Joseph was a disciple of Jesus Christ, although John emphasizes that this had been done secretly (John 19:38) until the time of Christ's burial. While there is not much information in the Bible about Joseph of Arimathea, there are certain things we can glean from the text. The Roman commander gives Joseph of Arimathea the order to take away the bodies. Apocryphal legend tells us that Joseph of Arimathea was the Virgin Mary's paternal uncle. Isaiah 53 Interpretations, Meet Caiaphas: High Priest of the Jerusalem Temple, Meet Mary Magdalene: Loyal Follower of Jesus, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Joseph of Arimathea was not only a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible, but legend records that he was the uncle of Jesus of Nazareth as well. Joseph of Arimathea brings together modern research, ancient legends, and unique storytelling to trace the journey of Joseph of Arimathea from England to Palestine as he performs an annual pilgrimage there. In Robert de Boron 's Joseph d'Arimathie, written in the Bible references Joseph of was... 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