Category:Joseph of Arimathea (subject)

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Joseph of Arimathea was, according to Christian tradition, a wealthy sympathizer of Jesus of Nazareth, who provided for his burial after his crucifixion.

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Overview

In the gospel narratives, Joseph of Arimathea is introduced as "a respected member of the council," a rich man, a disciple of Jesus, though in secret. After the crucifixion it was him who asked Pilate permission to bury Jesus. According to the Gospel of John, he did it with the assistance of Nicodemus.

Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned only in Christian sources. A 9th-century legend (The Life of Mary Magdalene by Rabanus Maurus) connected Joseph of Arimathea with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary Magdalene, and other early Christian figures, and make them the first missionaries to France and England.

Joseph of Arimathea in ancient sources

Gospel of Mark

Mark 15:43 -- Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 27:53 -- A rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.

Gospel of Luke

Luke 25:50 -- Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man...

Gospel of John

John 19:38-42 -- [38] ...Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus... [39] Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. [40] They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. [41] Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. [42] And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.