He went to PilateJoseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, took a bold step by approaching Pilate. This action required courage, as Pilate was the Roman governor who had authorized Jesus' crucifixion. Joseph's approach to Pilate indicates his high social standing and influence, as not everyone would have had access to the governor. This act also fulfilled the prophecy in
Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being with a rich man in His death.
to ask for the body of Jesus.
In Roman practice, the bodies of crucified criminals were often left on the cross to decay or be eaten by scavengers. However, Jewish law, as stated inDeuteronomy 21:22-23, required that a body be buried the same day. Joseph's request ensured that Jesus' body was treated with respect and buried according to Jewish customs. This act of devotion and care for Jesus' body also highlights Joseph's faith and reverence for Jesus, despite the potential risk to his reputation and standing among the Jewish leaders.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joseph of ArimatheaA member of the Jewish council, described as a good and righteous man who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He courageously went to Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial.
2.
PilateThe Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus. He granted Joseph's request to take Jesus' body, showing a moment of leniency or perhaps indifference after the crucifixion.
3.
Jesus' CrucifixionThe event leading to this request, where Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. His death was a pivotal moment in Christian theology, signifying the atonement for sin.
4.
ArimatheaThe town associated with Joseph, indicating his background and possibly his social status, as he was a man of means and influence.
5.
The Burial of JesusThis event marks the beginning of the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jesus' death and resurrection, setting the stage for the Easter account.
Teaching Points
Courage in FaithJoseph's boldness in approaching Pilate demonstrates the courage required to stand for one's beliefs, even when it involves personal risk.
The Role of the RighteousJoseph's righteousness and his actions remind believers of the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will, even in challenging circumstances.
Fulfillment of ProphecyJoseph's actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
The Importance of BurialThe care given to Jesus' body underscores the respect and honor due to the human body, reflecting the Christian belief in the resurrection.
Community in ActionThe involvement of Joseph and Nicodemus highlights the importance of community and collaboration among believers in fulfilling God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 23:52?
2.How does Joseph's request for Jesus' body demonstrate courage and faithfulness?
3.What can we learn from Joseph's actions about honoring Jesus in our lives?
4.How does Luke 23:52 connect with Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus' burial?
5.In what ways can we boldly stand for Christ in our daily lives?
6.How does Joseph's example inspire us to take risks for our faith today?
7.Why did Joseph of Arimathea request Jesus' body in Luke 23:52?
8.What does Joseph of Arimathea's role signify in the burial of Jesus?
9.How does Luke 23:52 align with Old Testament burial customs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 23?
11.What is the significance of Holy Saturday?
12.Where was Jesus during the three days after His death?
13.Who was Joseph of Arimathea in the Bible?
14.What are the Stations of the Cross?What Does Luke 23:52 Mean
He went•Luke 23:52 begins with Joseph of Arimathea taking personal initiative—“He went.”
• This simple movement shows active, public faith right after the crucifixion, when most disciples were scattered (John 19:25-27).
•Matthew 27:57-58 notes he was a “rich man” and “disciple of Jesus,” underscoring that wealth or social rank did not hold him back from obedience.
• His going fulfillsProverbs 28:1, “The righteous are as bold as a lion,” and contrasts the earlier fear of Peter (Luke 22:54-62).
to Pilate• Joseph approaches Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who had authorized the crucifixion (Luke 23:24).
•Mark 15:43 describes Joseph “taking courage” to do this, showing that interaction with Roman authority carried potential risk.
• By standing before Pilate, Joseph identifies himself with Jesus in the same court that condemned Him (cf.1 Timothy 6:13).
• God uses even pagan rulers for His purposes; Pilate’s permission ensures the prophetic burial details come to pass (Acts 4:27-28).
to ask• The verb “ask” stresses humble petition rather than demand—Joseph does not presume on rank or wealth.
•Matthew 7:7 reminds believers to “ask, and it will be given to you,” illustrating faithful dependence amid uncertainty.
• Asking aligns with Esther’s approach to King Ahasuerus (Esther 5:2-4): courage mixed with respect opens doors God intends.
• The request implicitly rejects any shame in association with Christ (Romans 1:16).
for the body of Jesus• Joseph seeks “the body,” affirming Christ’s real, physical death (John 19:31-34) and guarding against later claims that Jesus merely swooned.
•Isaiah 53:9 foretold the Messiah would be “with a rich man in His death”; Joseph’s tomb and care of the body fulfill this.
•Deuteronomy 21:22-23 required burial before sunset. Joseph honors the Law and the Lord simultaneously.
• Handling a corpse rendered a Jew ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11), yet Joseph chooses obedience over ritual purity, embodying “mercy over sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6; cf.Matthew 12:7).
•John 19:40-42 notes Nicodemus joins him, showing how bold faith can inspire others.
summaryJoseph of Arimathea’s decisive action inLuke 23:52 models courageous, respectful, and Scripture-informed faith. By personally going, approaching Pilate, humbly asking, and caring for the literal body of Jesus, he honors Christ, fulfills prophecy, and stands as a witness that the Lord truly died in our place and would soon rise again.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Heοὗτος(houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.wentπροσελθὼν(proselthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4334:From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.to PilateΠιλάτῳ(Pilatō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091:Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.to ask [for]ᾐτήσατο(ētēsato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 154:To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.bodyσῶμα(sōma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983:Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.of Jesus.Ἰησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
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NT Gospels: Luke 23:52 This man went to Pilate and asked (Luke Lu Lk) 
