Matthew 27:57

When the even was come. [The Burial, Matt. 27:57–61=Mark 15:42–47=Luke 23:50–56=John 19:38–42. Major comment: Matthew and Mark. See Betrayal, Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus; the Crucifixion In Relation To Passover, Passion Week, and the Resurrection to Ascension.] That is, the late afternoon hours of Friday, the day of the crucifixion. Jesus died about 3:00 P.M. (see Mark 15:34–37), and the sun set about 6:30 at this season of the year in the latitude of Jerusalem.

A rich man. Mark describes Joseph of Arimathaea as “an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43). Luke adds that he was “a good man, and a just,” who “had not consented to the counsel and deed” of the leaders (Luke 23:50, 51). John describes him as “a disciple of Jesus, … secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). The provision for the interment of Jesus, arranged by Joseph of Arimathaea, fulfilled Isaiah’s prediction (ch. 53:9) that Messiah would make “his grave … with the rich in his death.”

Arimathæa. The Greek form of Ramah. There were several towns by the name Ramah, but it is not known which one is to be identified with the Arimathaea of the NT. See Additional Note on 1 Sam. 1.

Joseph. John adds that Nicodemus (see John 3:1; 7:50) was associated with Joseph in arranging for the burial of Jesus (ch. 19:39).

Jesus’ disciple. Both Joseph and Nicodemus had been intentionally excluded from the Sanhedrin trials of Jesus, for in times past they had spoken in Jesus’ favor and thwarted plans to silence the Saviour (see on ch. 26:66). Now they boldly stepped forward to do what no other friends of Jesus were in a position to do. In the crucifixion Nicodemus witnessed the fulfillment of what Jesus had said three years before concerning the lifting up of the Son of man (John 3:14, 15), and to him the vivid scenes of this day constituted positive evidence of Christ’s divinity.