Editing Joseph of Arimathea (section)

==Gospel narratives==
[[Matthew 27]] describes him{{efn|{{bibleref2|Matthew|27:57}} }} simply as a rich man and disciple of [[Jesus]], but according to [[Mark 15]], Joseph of Arimathea was "a respected member of the [[Sanhedrin|council]], who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God".{{efn|{{bibleref2|Mark|15:43}} }} [[Luke 23]] adds that he "had not consented to their decision and action".{{efn|{{Bibleref2|Luke|23:50–56}} }}

According to [[John 19]], upon hearing of [[Crucifixion of Jesus|Jesus' death]], this secret [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciple]] of Jesus "asked [[Pontius Pilate|Pilate]] that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission."{{efn|{{bibleref2|John|19:38}} }} Joseph immediately purchased a linen shroud{{efn|{{bibleref2|Mark|15:46}} }} and proceeded to [[Calvary|Golgotha]] to take [[Descent from the Cross|the body of Jesus down from the cross]]. There, Joseph and [[Nicodemus]] took the body and bound it in linen cloths with the spices ([[myrrh]] and [[aloes]]) that Nicodemus had brought.{{efn|{{bibleref2|John|19:39–40}} }} [[Luke 23]]:55-56 states that the women "who had come with him from Galilee" prepared the spices and ointments.

The disciples then conveyed the prepared corpse to a man-made cave hewn from rock in a garden nearby. The Gospel of Matthew alone suggests that this was Joseph's own [[tomb of Jesus|tomb]].{{efn|{{bibleref2|Matthew|27:60}} }} The burial was undertaken speedily, "for the Sabbath was drawing on".