Mark 15:42-43

Jesus’ Burial

15:42 Now ¹  when evening had already come, since it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), ²  15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a highly regarded member of the council, ³  who was himself looking forward to ⁴  the kingdom of God, ⁵  went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁶ 

[15:42]  ¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic and introduction of a new character.

[15:42]  ² sn The day of preparation was the day before the Sabbath when everything had to be prepared for it, as no work could be done on the Sabbath.

[15:43]  ³ tn Grk “a councillor” (as a member of the Sanhedrin, see L&N 11.85). This indicates that some individuals among the leaders did respond to Jesus.

[15:43]  ⁴ tn Or “waiting for.”

[15:43]  ⁵ sn Though some dispute that Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus, this remark that he was looking forward to the kingdom of God and his actions regarding Jesus’ burial suggest otherwise.

[15:43]  ⁶ sn Asking for the body of Jesus was indeed a bold move on the part of Joseph of Arimathea, for it clearly and openly identified him with a man who had just been condemned and executed, namely, Jesus. His faith is exemplary, especially for someone who was a member of the council that handed Jesus over for crucifixion (cf. Luke 23:51). He did this because he sought to give Jesus an honorable burial.