John Calvin 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)

And when the evening was come. Let it be understood that Joseph did not come in the dusk of the evening, but before sunset, so that he might perform this office of kindness to his Master without violating the Sabbath. For the Sabbath began in the evening, and therefore it was necessary that Christ should be laid in the grave before night came. Now from the time that Christ died until the Sabbath began to be observed, there were three free days. And though John does not mention Joseph only, but joins Nicodemus as his companion (John 19:39), yet as he alone undertook the business at first, and as Nicodemus did no more than follow and join him, the three Evangelists satisfied themselves with relating in a brief narrative what was done by Joseph alone.

Now though this affection of Joseph deserved uncommon praise, still we ought first to consider the providence of God, in subduing a man of high and honorable rank among his countrymen, to wipe away the reproach of the cross by the honor of burial. And, indeed, as he exposed himself to the dislike and hatred of the whole nation, and to great dangers, there can be no doubt that this singular courage arose from a secret movement of the Spirit. For though he had formerly been one of Christ’s disciples, yet he had never ventured to make a frank and open profession of his faith. When the death of Christ now presented to him a spectacle full of despair, and suited to break the strongest minds, how did he suddenly acquire such noble courage that, amidst the greatest terrors, he felt no dread, and did not hesitate to advance further than he had ever done, when all was in peace? Let us then understand that, when the Son of God was buried by the hand of Joseph, it was the work of God.

The circumstances detailed here must also be understood in the same light. Joseph’s piety and integrity of life are commended, so that in the servant of God we may learn to recognize the work of God. The Evangelists relate that he was rich, in order to inform us that his amazing magnanimity of mind enabled him to rise superior to the obstruction which would otherwise have compelled him to hold back. For rich men, being naturally proud, find nothing more difficult than to expose themselves voluntarily to the contempt of the people. We know how demeaning and disgraceful an act it was to receive the body of a crucified man from the hand of the executioner. Besides, as men devoted to riches are accustomed to avoid everything likely to excite prejudice, the more eminent he was for wealth, the more cautious and timid he would have been, unless a holy boldness²⁹⁵ had been imparted to him from heaven.

The dignity of his rank is likewise mentioned—that he was a counselor, or senator—so that in this respect also the power of God may be displayed. For it was not one of the lowest of the people who was employed to bury the body of Christ in haste and in concealment, but someone from a high rank of honor was raised up to discharge this office. For the less credible it was that such an office of kindness should be performed towards Christ, the more clearly did it appear that the whole of this transaction was regulated by the purpose and hand of God.

We are taught by this example that the rich are so far from being excusable when they deprive Christ of the honor due to Him, that they must instead be held doubly criminal for turning into obstacles those circumstances which ought to have been encouragements to activity. It is all too common and customary, I acknowledge, for those who think themselves superior to others to withdraw from the yoke, and to become soft and lacking in resolve through excessive timidity and anxiety about their affairs. But we ought to view it in a totally different light; for if riches and honors do not aid us in the worship of God, we utterly abuse them.

This event shows how easy it is for God to correct sinful fears that prevent us from doing our duty. For Joseph formerly did not venture to make an open profession of being a disciple of Christ when things were uncertain; but now, when the rage of enemies is at its height and when their cruelty abounds, he summons courage and does not hesitate to incur obvious danger. We see then how the Lord in a moment forms hearts to new feelings, and raises up with a spirit of fortitude those who had previously lost heart. But if, through a holy desire to honor Christ, Joseph assumed such courage while Christ was hanging on the cross, woe to our slothfulness²⁹⁶ if, now that He has risen from the dead, at least an equal zeal to glorify Him does not burn in our hearts.

²⁹⁵ “Une saincte hardiesse.”.”

²⁹⁶ “Mandite soit nostre lascheté;” — “accursed be our sloth.”;” — “accursed be our sloth.”