Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 27:58

"this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given up." — Matthew 27:58 (ASV)

He went to Pilate — Assuming the death of our Lord was soon after the ninth hour (3 P.M.), Joseph seems to have hastened at once to the Praetorium and asked Pilate’s permission to bury the body. St. Mark records Pilate’s wonder that death had come so soon (Mark 15:44). In his compliance with the petition, we trace, as before, a lingering reverence and admiration. As far as he can, he will help the friends and not the foes of the righteous Sufferer.