John 19:38
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John 19:38
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Chapter Context
John 19 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 19:38
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Analysis
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave (Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἠρώτησεν τὸν Πιλᾶτον Ἰωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας, ὢν μαθητὴς τοῦ Ἰησοῦ κεκρυμμένος δὲ διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἵνα ἄρῃ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ· καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν ὁ Πιλᾶτος, Meta de tauta ērōtēsen ton Pilaton Iōsēph ho apo Harimathaias, ōn mathētēs tou Iēsou kekrymmenos de dia ton phobon tōn Ioudaiōn, hina arē to sōma tou Iēsou· kai epetrepsen ho Pilatos)—Joseph was μαθητὴς...κεκρυμμένος (mathētēs...kekrymmenos, 'a disciple...hidden') διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων (dia ton phobon tōn Ioudaiōn, 'because of the fear of the Jews'). Yet crisis prompted courage: he openly requested Jesus's body. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus—Joseph's public action 'outed' him as Jesus's follower, risking his Sanhedrin position (Mark 15:43 identifies him as 'an honourable counsellor').
Fear had kept Joseph secret, but Jesus's death catalyzed courageous faith. Sometimes God allows crisis to move secret disciples to public confession. Joseph's costly obedience—risking reputation, position, ritual defilement—demonstrates transformative faith. His unused tomb (Matthew 27:60) fulfilled Isaiah 53:9: 'with the rich in his death.'
Historical Context
Arimathea was likely Ramathaim-zophim, Samuel's birthplace (1 Samuel 1:1), about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem. As a wealthy Sanhedrin member (Luke 23:50), Joseph had resources and influence to request the body and provide burial. Roman law typically allowed families to claim crucifixion victims' bodies; Pilate's permission shows respect for Joseph's status.
Reflection
- How does Joseph's transformation from 'secret disciple' to public confessor demonstrate that crisis can strengthen rather than destroy faith?
- What modern forms of 'secret discipleship' do Christians practice to avoid social or professional cost?
- How did providing an honorable burial for Jesus demonstrate both love for Christ and courage to associate with a condemned criminal?