Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 27:57-58

"And when even was come, there came a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus` disciple: this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded it to be given up." — Matthew 27:57-58 (ASV)

This rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, was Jesus' disciple, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). Yet, when his Lord was actually dead, extraordinary courage strengthened his spirit, and he boldly went to Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus.

Joseph and Nicodemus are types of many more who have been emboldened by the cross of Christ to do what, without that mighty magnet, they would never have attempted. When night comes, the stars appear; so, in the night of Christ's death, these two bright stars shone forth with blessed radiance. Some flowers bloom only at night; such a blossom was the courage of Joseph and Nicodemus.

This rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, was Jesus’s disciple, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). Yet when his Lord was actually dead, extraordinary courage steeled his spirit, and he boldly went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

Joseph and Nicodemus are examples of many others who have been emboldened by the cross of Christ to do what, without that mighty magnet, they would never have attempted. When night comes, the stars appear. So in the night of Christ’s death, these two bright stars shone forth with blessed radiance. Some flowers bloom only at night—such a blossom was the courage of Joseph and Nicodemus.