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Explanation for:
Matthew
27
:
58
He went to Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"His bravery is particularly evident in this act. He boldly faced death in public, having incited widespread enmity toward himself through his demonstration of love for Jesus. By asking for the Lord's body, he took a significant risk, showing great devotion not just in receiving the body and ensuring it was buried with honor, but also in placing it in his own new tomb. This act symbolized both his deep affection and remarkable valor. Such actions were not carried out without purpose; they were intended to eliminate any suspicion that another had taken the place of the one who had passed."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Joseph of Arimathea is identified as a wealthy individual, not to highlight the affluence of Jesus' followers, but to explain how he managed to secure the body of Jesus from Pilate. Those who were poor and uneducated would not have the means to approach Pilate, the representative of Roman authority, nor could they claim the body of the One who was crucified. In another Gospel, Joseph is described using the term bouleuthj, which translates to ‘council member’ (See Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50). Some suggest that he is referenced in the opening of the first psalm: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the wicked (Ps. 1:1), and so forth."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Joseph from Arimathea, who convinced Pilate to surrender the body of Jesus, covered it in a linen cloth, laid it in a newly hewn tomb, and rolled a significant stone in front of the entrance. While this likely reflects the true sequence of events and the essential act of burying the One destined to rise again, each step is noted individually due to its unique importance. Joseph is referred to as a disciple of the Lord, mirroring the apostles, even though he was not one of the twelve. He took it upon himself to wrap the Lord’s body in a clean shroud; this is the same cloth from which various creatures descend from heaven to Peter. This imagery suggests that the Church shares in the burial of Christ under the guise of a shroud (See Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12). Just as a cloth gathers a multitude of living beings, both pure and defiled, so too does the Church contain a diverse array of believers. Consequently, through the apostles’ teachings, the Lord’s body is laid to rest in a vacant tomb, freshly carved from the rock. Essentially, their teachings introduced Christ to the hardened hearts of the Gentiles, which were barren, void, and resistant to the reverence of God. And since He alone can reach into our hearts, a stone was affixed to the entrance of the tomb: no one before or after Him has been revealed as the source of Divine truth."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"A certain individual approached Pilate, requesting the body of Jesus, showing familiarity with him. The Gospel of Mark (Mark 15:43) recounts that he boldly went into Pilate’s presence to make this request. His earlier apprehension had been entirely replaced by newfound bravery, leading him to embrace the possibility of death for the honor of his Lord, which provoked animosity from the Jewish leaders. Pilate then consented to release the body. He expressed uncertainty about whether Jesus had truly died, as noted in Mark (Mark 15:44): “But Pilate wondered if he were already dead: and calling the centurion, he asked him, ‘Is he already dead?’” Upon receiving confirmation from the centurion, he handed over the body to Joseph. Pilate presumed that Jesus, being a remarkable and Divine figure, would endure a prolonged death; however, as a genuine human being, He succumbed in accordance with the natural order."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When they approached Pilate, it was the Roman practice for the bodies of those crucified to remain on the crosses, left to be consumed by scavenging birds. However, with the consent of the ruling authorities, it was permissible to take them down for burial. Given that Christ was crucified on a Friday, and the Sabbath fell on a significant Jewish feast, especially since that year the first day of Passover coincided with that Sabbath celebrated on Friday evening, the Jews requested Pilate to have the bodies of the crucified removed to expedite their death (John 19:31-37). Seizing this moment, as the Lord had already passed away, Joseph sought Pilate’s approval to retrieve and bury His body. \\"Pilate ordered it to be given,\\" after confirming that Jesus had indeed died (Mark 16:44-45)."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Under Roman law, the remains of condemned criminals were typically left exposed to predators, but families could request their burial. The Jewish community had the right to bury their deceased with authorization from the governor. Near Jerusalem, there were two distinct burial grounds: one for those who had been beheaded and the other for those who had suffered execution by stoning or crucifixion. The Sanhedrin sought permission to fracture the legs of Jesus and His fellow crucified victims, likely intending for Jesus' body to be laid in the grave reserved for the condemned, allowing them to further disgrace Him publicly. However, Joseph held a different view. He chose to protect the body of his revered Teacher from ignominy. (See Mark 15:43-45, John 19:38-39)"},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He approached, or as St. Mark puts it, ‘dared’ with resolute intent to ‘go’ to Pilate, requesting permission to take down the BODY OF JESUS for burial. St. Chrysostom notes that ‘he ventured now to a manifest death,’ having drawn universal animosity towards himself by proclaiming his affection for Jesus, boldly asking for His body and not retreating until he received it. He not only sought to retrieve it and provide a dignified burial but also chose a new tomb, showcasing both his devotion and bravery. He was undeterred by the fact that handling a corpse, as per the law, rendered one unclean for seven days, thus excluding him from the sacred celebrations of Passover. For his beloved Master, Joseph was prepared to undertake anything. ‘Joseph's petition was for Pilate the first news,’ remarked Innocent, Archbishop of Kherson, ‘that Jesus was already dead.’ The governor was taken aback by the rapid death, aware from past experiences that the crucified typically lingered longer. Although Pilate found no cause to question Joseph’s assertion about Jesus' death, he sought confirmation of the specifics and promptly summoned the centurion stationed at the cross. ‘How long has He been dead?’ he inquired, and upon the centurion’s affirmation that Jesus was indeed deceased, THEN Pilate authorized the release of Jesus' body to Joseph. This decision brought Pilate some relief to his conscience, which had been troubled by the unjust verdict; it felt akin to a sacrifice offered to honor the Righteous One whom he had condemned unjustly.\\n\\nThus, after the soldiers had inflicted their final cruelty upon the body of Jesus Christ, Joseph approached Golgotha to take Him down from the cross. Accompanying him for the same purpose was Nicodemus, the man who had once come to Jesus by night to hear His profound discourse on spiritual rebirth essential for entering the kingdom of the Messiah—the same Nicodemus who had once boldly questioned the Sanhedrin that condemned Jesus: ‘Does our law judge a man unless they first hear him and know what he does?’ (Jn. 7:51). Like Joseph, Nicodemus held wealth and a position on the Jewish council; secretly, he was one of Jesus’ disciples, hesitant to reveal his true thoughts out of fear of the chief priests. Now, he sought to redress his past timidity through a noble act of self-sacrifice, a burden often borne by those with generous hearts. While Nicodemus may not have shared Joseph’s audacity in approaching Pilate to request the burial, this was not due to a lack of effort but rather necessity; he was using this time to prepare the burial items. Moreover, it was sufficient for Joseph, as the owner of the burial site, to approach the governor. Clearly, the two friends and secret followers of Jesus were working in concert, with Joseph acting before Pilate as a gracious host, seeking permission for his esteemed Guest.\\n\\n‘Joseph had a garden near Golgotha, containing rock formations. In one of these, as per Jewish custom, a burial cave was hewn. It resembled a living room, spacious enough that a standing man would hardly touch the ceiling. It was a fresh tomb, never before occupied, likely prepared by Joseph for himself and his family. The proximity of this site, though not entirely pleasant due to its closeness to Golgotha, was very practical for Joseph and Jesus’ other followers. It allowed them to swiftly lay the Divine Dead to rest and later return to mourn with tears. Consequently, the pure body of the Lord was immediately transported to Joseph's garden. The providence of God also displayed His particular oversight: had the cave where Jesus' body was laid contained the remains of others, the malignity of Jesus' adversaries could have falsely claimed that He did not rise or that He rose through the power of another, akin to when a deceased person revived by contact with the bones of the prophet Elisha during the reigns of the kings of Israel. Such absurd claims could mislead and ensnare the unwary. Preparations for the burial were swiftly undertaken. Nicodemus brought a hundred pounds of spices, a mixture of myrrh and aloes. Myrrh was the costly resin from an aromatic tree, while aloes were premium fragrant plants from India. Both were utilized in burials not only for their scent but also to inhibit decay. These fragrances were applied in both dry forms and as oils. For the Saviour, they were utilized as a perfumed unguent. Joseph also procured a new, pristine shroud of the finest linen fabric."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon receiving Joseph's petition, Pilate was taken aback by the quick demise of Jesus. It is likely that the command to shatter the legs had just been issued and had not yet been executed by the time Joseph made his appearance; it is also possible that Joseph encountered the servants sent by the chief priests, who were departing to urge Pilate to expedite the execution of those crucified. To confirm the death of Jesus, Pilate summoned the centurion stationed at Golgotha. While the messengers were retrieving the centurion, the soldiers had already fulfilled Pilate's directive by breaking the legs of the two thieves and piercing the side of Jesus. When the centurion arrived at Pilate's summons, he affirmed the true death of Jesus, after which Pilate instructed him to release the body of Jesus to Joseph."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The elders showed little concern for the burial of those condemned to crucifixion. They left it to friends or family, if any existed, to inter them in nameless graves. However, one notable individual took it upon himself to secure a proper burial for Christ, seeking Pilate's authorization out of earnest devotion. This man was Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and virtuous person, distinguished among the Sanhedrin. He belonged to those who followed Christ in secret, harboring feelings of admiration for Him without the courage or societal standing to openly profess their faith. It was only following the tragic death of his Lord that his fears dissipated, prompting him to request Pilate for permission to lay Christ's body to rest. Pilate, respecting Joseph's standing, granted the request after confirming the death of the Crucified. With agility, Joseph proceeded with the necessary preparations."},{"author-name":"Makkaveiski N.K.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Now, setting aside his previous apprehensions and hesitation, he approached Pilate to request the body of Jesus Christ. According to Jewish tradition, the burial of those executed in family graves was forbidden without explicit consent. It is likely that those who had sought the procurator’s approval to break the legs of those crucified had just departed; in any case, not much time had passed since then, and Pilate was greatly astonished by the unusually swift demise of the chief among the condemned when he received this new request. Nonetheless, guided by certain legal mandates, and after consulting the centurion about Jesus Christ's death, he granted Joseph full permission to take the body."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon the demise of the Divine Redeemer on the cross, nature fell silent, seemingly reluctant to disturb the tranquility of the sufferer: the darkness lifted, and the tremors ceased. The momentous and solemn day of the sacrifice of our Passover—Christ—was nearing its close. People hastened from Calvary to make preparations for the Old Testament Passover. As the sun descended, the Sabbath commenced, marking a festive occasion for the Jewish people. This particular Sabbath, coinciding with the Passover, was regarded as a significant celebration, described by the holy Evangelist as a great day. The grand evening of the Paschal Sabbath was approaching, and all were eager to complete their tasks to partake in the festival in the strict rest the Pharisees had instilled in the populace.\\n\\nAs the adversaries of Christ rushed to Pilate to obtain permission to hasten the deaths of the crucified men, hoping to swiftly dispose of the bodies as was customary for criminals, another individual, already aware of the Lord's passing, approached the governor with a very different intention. This was Joseph, a distinguished member of the Sanhedrin, who hailed from the ancient town of Ramah or, in contemporary pronunciation, Arimathea. A man of means, Joseph was also characterized by kindness and integrity. Together with other righteous individuals in Jerusalem who awaited deliverance, he anticipated the arrival of the Messiah and the establishment of God's Kingdom. Though his hopes likely did not transcend the earthly and tangible notions of the Messiah’s reign, Joseph, an esteemed member of the Sanhedrin and a wise counselor, sought guidance, clarity, and illumination regarding his aspirations.\\n\\nThe yearning of his devout spirit led Joseph to become a disciple of Jesus. Yet, the might and wrath of Christ's enemies compelled him to hide his genuine admiration for the revered Jesus; thus, he remained a secret disciple. In the conspiracy of the Sanhedrin against Jesus and its execution, he played no role, either avoiding the witness of the innocent's condemnation or being skillfully sidelined by the chief priests' machinations. However, upon the Lord’s death on the cross, Joseph, like other discreet followers of the Divine Teacher, discovered newfound courage, wishing to compensate for his earlier reticence with public acts of love and respect for the lifeless body of the crucified Lord. No longer did he fear the backlash from the chief priests and their followers, who were vigilant regarding the disciples of the Crucified One—a remarkable transformation likely a result of God's grace touching his heart.\\n\\nResolute in his noble purpose, Joseph boldly entered the Roman Praetorium and sought Pilate's permission to remove the lifeless body of his Teacher from the cross. For the governor, who viewed the crucified man as an innocent victim of hostility, this petition was neither unusual nor criminal; still, he was taken aback by the speed of the Lord's demise and summoned the centurion guarding the cross to validate the report. “Is He already dead?” Pilate inquired. After confirming the timing of Jesus' death from the centurion, the procurator instructed that the body be released to Joseph."}]}
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