John 19:38 - After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body.
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What does "John 19:38" mean?
John 19:38 describes a crucial moment after the crucifixion of Jesus:
"After these things..." This phrase connects this event directly to the preceding narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and death. It emphasizes that this action is a direct consequence of those events.
"Joseph of Arimathaea..." Joseph is identified as the key actor. He's a known figure, and his place of origin is noted. This gives the account a sense of historical grounding.
"...being a disciple of Jesus..." This clarifies Joseph's relationship to Jesus. He believed in Jesus and followed his teachings.
"...but secretly for fear of the Jews..." This is the most significant qualifier. Joseph was a disciple, but he kept his faith hidden out of fear. "The Jews" here refers to the Jewish authorities or leadership in Jerusalem who opposed Jesus and sought his death. This fear highlights the risks associated with openly supporting Jesus after his condemnation. Being a disciple of Jesus could lead to social ostracization, persecution, or even legal repercussions.
"...asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body." Joseph takes a bold step and requests permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to remove Jesus' body from the cross. This was a task typically performed by the Romans themselves or assigned to criminals, as crucified bodies were often left on public display. Requesting the body would have been unusual, and Pilate's permission was necessary.
"Pilate gave him permission." Pilate's agreement is key. It allowed Joseph to perform a respectful burial, which was a significant act of compassion and faith.
"He came therefore and took away his body." Joseph, having obtained permission, immediately went to the cross and removed Jesus' body. This was a practical, courageous, and loving act.
In summary, this verse tells us that Joseph of Arimathaea, a secret disciple of Jesus due to fear of the Jewish authorities, mustered the courage to ask Pilate for Jesus' body. Receiving permission, he took the body down from the cross. This action is important because:
It demonstrates the love and respect for Jesus even after his death. Joseph's act of claiming the body and preparing it for burial fulfills Jewish burial customs and shows reverence for Jesus.
It sets the stage for the burial account in the following verses. This action allows for the proper burial of Jesus in Joseph's own tomb.
It highlights the complexities of faith and discipleship. Joseph's secret discipleship demonstrates that belief in Jesus could be hidden and motivated by fear in that time. However, the fear did not preclude love, respect, and action.
It fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be buried with the rich. Joseph was, according to other Gospels, a wealthy and influential man.
The verse is a pivotal point in the narrative. It shows that even in the face of fear and opposition, acts of love and devotion were possible and were essential to the fulfillment of the story of Jesus.
John 19:38 - After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body.
What does "John 19:38" mean?
John 19:38 describes a crucial moment after the crucifixion of Jesus:
"After these things..." This phrase connects this event directly to the preceding narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and death. It emphasizes that this action is a direct consequence of those events.
"Joseph of Arimathaea..." Joseph is identified as the key actor. He's a known figure, and his place of origin is noted. This gives the account a sense of historical grounding.
"...being a disciple of Jesus..." This clarifies Joseph's relationship to Jesus. He believed in Jesus and followed his teachings.
"...but secretly for fear of the Jews..." This is the most significant qualifier. Joseph was a disciple, but he kept his faith hidden out of fear. "The Jews" here refers to the Jewish authorities or leadership in Jerusalem who opposed Jesus and sought his death. This fear highlights the risks associated with openly supporting Jesus after his condemnation. Being a disciple of Jesus could lead to social ostracization, persecution, or even legal repercussions.
"...asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body." Joseph takes a bold step and requests permission from Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to remove Jesus' body from the cross. This was a task typically performed by the Romans themselves or assigned to criminals, as crucified bodies were often left on public display. Requesting the body would have been unusual, and Pilate's permission was necessary.
"Pilate gave him permission." Pilate's agreement is key. It allowed Joseph to perform a respectful burial, which was a significant act of compassion and faith.
"He came therefore and took away his body." Joseph, having obtained permission, immediately went to the cross and removed Jesus' body. This was a practical, courageous, and loving act.
In summary, this verse tells us that Joseph of Arimathaea, a secret disciple of Jesus due to fear of the Jewish authorities, mustered the courage to ask Pilate for Jesus' body. Receiving permission, he took the body down from the cross. This action is important because:
It demonstrates the love and respect for Jesus even after his death. Joseph's act of claiming the body and preparing it for burial fulfills Jewish burial customs and shows reverence for Jesus.
It sets the stage for the burial account in the following verses. This action allows for the proper burial of Jesus in Joseph's own tomb.
It highlights the complexities of faith and discipleship. Joseph's secret discipleship demonstrates that belief in Jesus could be hidden and motivated by fear in that time. However, the fear did not preclude love, respect, and action.
It fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be buried with the rich. Joseph was, according to other Gospels, a wealthy and influential man.
The verse is a pivotal point in the narrative. It shows that even in the face of fear and opposition, acts of love and devotion were possible and were essential to the fulfillment of the story of Jesus.