50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. (Luke 23:50-56 KJV)
Thomas Haweis
Verses 50-56: The corpse of Jesus was now in danger of being cast with those of the malefactors into a common grave; but when none of his other disciples had courage to appear, or ability to give him an honourable interment, God is pleased to raise up one to discharge this last kind office.
1. His name and character are here given us. He was called Joseph, a man of signal piety and probity; a counselor, probably one of the great Sanhedrim, who consented not to the counsel and deed of them; either he entered his protest against their proceedings, or, seeing opposition in vain, withdrew. He was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God, expecting, according to the prophecies, that it would shortly appear.
2. He went unto Pilate, and having obtained permission to take down the body from the cross, he wrapped it in linen, and laid it in his own new tomb, where never man before lay, in haste to finish the funeral, because the Sabbath drew on. The women, the constant attendants of Jesus, followed the corpse to the grave; and returning, prepared spices and ointments that they might come and embalm him, as soon as the Sabbath was past; during which, they observed the rest enjoyed on that holy day. Note, The Lord’s day now, as the Sabbath of old, is sacred; all our affairs must be so ordered, as not to break in upon the hours expressly set apart for the immediate service of God.