Mark 15:43

43 Joseph went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Joseph was from the town of Arimathea. He was a leading member of the Jewish Council. He was waiting for God's kingdom.

Mark 15:43 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable counsellor
A man of a good aspect, well dressed, and that behaved well and honourably in his office, as a counsellor: he seems to have been a priest, and one of the bench of priests that sat in the high priest's chamber, which is called, (yjwwlb tkvl) , "the chamber of the counsellors" ^F4; with whom he advised there, in matters of moment:

which also waited for the kingdom of God;
for the coming and kingdom of the Messiah, for the Gospel dispensation, the world to come, the Jews were so much in expectation of.

Came and went in boldly unto Pilate;
not now ashamed of Christ, or afraid openly to appear in his cause, and declare himself a lover of him, a believer in him, and a disciple of his, though he formerly was:

and craved the body of Jesus;
desired leave to take it down from the cross, and bury it; (See Gill on Matthew 27:58).

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 3. 2. & Hieros. Yoma, fol. 38. 3.

Mark 15:43 In-Context

41 In Galilee those women had followed Jesus. They had taken care of his needs. Many other women were also there. They had come up with him to Jerusalem.

42 It was the day before the Sabbath. That day was called Preparation Day. As evening approached,

43 Joseph went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Joseph was from the town of Arimathea. He was a leading member of the Jewish Council. He was waiting for God's kingdom.

44 Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. So he called for the Roman commander. He asked him if Jesus had already died.

45 The commander said it was true. So Pilate gave the body to Joseph.