Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

The approaching evening—about 6:00 P. M. at that time of year—would mark the end of Friday and the beginning of Sabbath. Matthew mentions that Joseph of Arimathea (see comments on Mk 15:42–43) was rich. This may direct attention to Isa 53:9–12: though Jesus was numbered with the transgressors, yet in his death he was with the rich. Joseph had become a disciple; he learned from Jesus and to some extent followed him, even if his discipleship was secret.