Charles Ellicott 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)

A rich man of Arimathea—This place was likely identical with the Ramah of 1 Samuel 1:19, the prophet's birthplace. In 1 Samuel 1:1, the name is given in its uncontracted form, Ramathaim-zophim. In the Septuagint version, it appears throughout as Armathaim; in Josephus, as Armatha; and in 1 Maccabees 11:34, as Ramathem.

It was a city of the Jews—in the narrower sense, meaning the people of Judea (Luke 23:51). The site is somewhat conjectural. However, if we identify the Ramah (or Ramathaim) of 1 Samuel 1:1 with the modern Nebby Samuel, about four miles northwest of Jerusalem, we have a location that fits the historical circumstances.

Mark tells us that Joseph was “an honourable counsellor,” that is, a member of the Sanhedrin, who was looking for the kingdom of God (Mark 15:43). Luke describes him as “a good man, and a just” (Luke 23:50–51; see the note on Romans 5:7 for the distinction between these two words). John adds that he was “a disciple, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38).

He was apparently a man of the same class and character as Nicodemus: respecting our Lord as a man, admiring Him as a teacher, and half-believing in Him as the Christ, yet, until now, shrinking from confessing Him before others.

For some, the name is of interest as one of the few New Testament names connected with Britain. According to legend, he was sent by Philip the Apostle to Britain. There, in the story that medieval chroniclers delighted to tell, he founded the church of Glastonbury. The staff he stuck into the ground took root, brought forth leaves and flowers, and became the parent of all the Glastonbury thorns from that day to this.

We should note that the piercing of Jesus' side, narrated only by John (John 19:31–37), occurred before Joseph’s request for the body.