Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 27:57

"And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus` disciple:" — Matthew 27:57 (ASV)

When the even was come. That is, some time after three o'clock in the afternoon. Before this, the Jews had entreated Pilate that the legs of those who were crucified might be broken, and the bodies be taken down, so that they might not remain on the cross during the Sabbath. The soldiers, coming to Jesus for this purpose, found that He was already dead, contrary to their expectation. A soldier, however, thrust a spear into His side, and this furnished the fullest proof that He had expired (see the notes on John 19:31-37).

A rich man of Arimathaea. It is uncertain where Arimathaea was. There were several cities of that name in Judea. It is commonly supposed to be the same as Rama (see the notes on Matthew 2:18).

Luke says that this was a city of the Jews; and it is probable, therefore, that it was in the tribe of Benjamin, and only a short distance from Jerusalem. This man sustained a high character.

He was an honourable counsellor (Mark 15:43); he waited for the kingdom of God; he was a good man, and a just. He had nobly set himself against the wicked purposes of the Sanhedrin (Luke 23:51). He was a disciple of Jesus, though He was not openly His follower because he feared the Jews (John 19:38).