This verse refers to the events following the crucifixion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Let's break it down:
"When he found out from the centurion..." - This "he" refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so quickly after being crucified (crucifixion was a slow and agonizing death). To confirm Jesus' death, Pilate sought confirmation from the centurion. A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers, and he would have been responsible for overseeing the execution.
"...he granted the body to Joseph." - Once the centurion confirmed that Jesus was indeed dead, Pilate granted permission for Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus' body. Joseph was a respected member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) and a secret follower of Jesus. Jewish law dictated that bodies of executed criminals could not remain on display overnight, especially during religious festivals like Passover.
In essence, the verse means:
Pilate, after receiving confirmation of Jesus' death from the centurion, gave permission to Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus' body down from the cross and bury it. This was a significant event as it allowed for Jesus to be given a proper burial, fulfilling prophecies and setting the stage for the resurrection narrative.
This verse refers to the events following the crucifixion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Let's break it down:
"When he found out from the centurion..." - This "he" refers to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so quickly after being crucified (crucifixion was a slow and agonizing death). To confirm Jesus' death, Pilate sought confirmation from the centurion. A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of a hundred soldiers, and he would have been responsible for overseeing the execution.
"...he granted the body to Joseph." - Once the centurion confirmed that Jesus was indeed dead, Pilate granted permission for Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus' body. Joseph was a respected member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) and a secret follower of Jesus. Jewish law dictated that bodies of executed criminals could not remain on display overnight, especially during religious festivals like Passover.
In essence, the verse means:
Pilate, after receiving confirmation of Jesus' death from the centurion, gave permission to Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus' body down from the cross and bury it. This was a significant event as it allowed for Jesus to be given a proper burial, fulfilling prophecies and setting the stage for the resurrection narrative.