Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin from Arimathea, becomes a secret disciple of Jesus. He believed in Jesus but kept his faith hidden for fear of the Jewish leaders.

Joseph was described as 'waiting for the kingdom of God'—a devout Jew who recognized in Jesus the fulfillment of Israel's messianic hopes.

When the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus to death, Joseph did not consent to their decision and action. He stood against the majority, showing moral courage even before his public act of devotion.

After Jesus' death, Joseph 'took courage' and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. This bold act publicly identified him as a follower of Jesus and risked his position, reputation, and safety.

Joseph bought fine linen, took Jesus' body down from the cross, and wrapped it. He laid Jesus in his own new tomb, carved out of rock, in which no one had ever been laid. He rolled a great stone against the entrance.

Nicodemus, another secret disciple, joined Joseph. He brought about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Together they prepared Jesus' body according to Jewish burial customs, wrapping it in linen with the aromatic spices.