Matthew 27:57

Gross St Martin - Grablegungsgruppe - Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew 27:57 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the narrative of the Crucifixion of Jesus and details the actions of Joseph of Arimathea following Jesus' death. The verse, as translated in the New International Version (NIV), reads: "As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus."

Context

This verse is set in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion and death, a pivotal event in Christian theology that is commemorated annually during Good Friday. Matthew 27:57 introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a figure who is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), but the details about him and his actions vary slightly among the texts. In the broader narrative, Joseph's request for Jesus' body and his subsequent burial of Jesus in his own new tomb are seen as acts of devotion and respect towards Jesus.

Analysis

Joseph of Arimathea is described as a wealthy man and a disciple of Jesus, though his discipleship is noted to be secret due to fear of the Jewish leaders. His actions in this verse and the verses that follow demonstrate a significant level of courage and devotion, as he steps forward to claim Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. This act of claiming and burying the body of a crucified individual was not only a work of mercy but also a bold statement of allegiance to Jesus, given the political and religious tensions of the time.

The mention of "evening" in the verse is significant as it indicates the urgency of Joseph's actions. According to Jewish law, the body needed to be buried before sundown, as the following day was the Sabbath, a day on which burials were not permitted. This detail underscores the respect for religious customs and the haste required to ensure Jesus' proper burial.

Theological Significance

The actions of Joseph of Arimathea hold deep theological significance for Christians. His act of providing a tomb for Jesus fulfills the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being buried with the rich. Furthermore, Joseph's role highlights themes of discipleship, courage, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies within the Christian faith.

See Also

• Crucifixion of Jesus
• Gospel of Matthew
• Joseph of Arimathea
• Burial of Jesus