Charles Ellicott Commentary John 19:38

"And 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 the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took away his body." — John 19:38 (ASV)

For the burial (John 19:38–42), compare generally Notes on Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56.

But secretly for fear of the Jews.—This is the only additional fact which St. John supplies with regard to Joseph. He places him in these verses side by side with Nicodemus, and ascribes the same trait of character to both.