Matthew 27:58

Went to Pilate. Nicodemus went to purchase spices for embalming the body of Jesus (see on John 19:39, 40), probably at the same time Joseph went to see Pilate. Time was short, as the task must be completed before sundown (see on Matt. 27:57). It must have taken courage to step forward and manifest sympathy for a man who had been condemned and executed as a traitor to Rome, and who had been branded by the highest Jewish court as a blasphemer. The courage of Joseph and Nicodemus shines with added luster in contrast with the cowardice of the disciples.

Begged. About the same time the Jewish leaders came to Pilate with the request that the bodies of Jesus and the two thieves be removed from the cross before the Sabbath (John 19:31). The law of Moses required that the bodies of impaled criminals be removed before sundown (Deut. 21:22, 23). It would be considered particularly offensive for the bodies to remain on the crosses over Sabbath, especially in view of the fact that this Sabbath was “an high day” (John 19:31, 42). Compare Josephus War iv. 5. 2 (317, 318). In the normal course of events Jesus, as a traitor to Rome, would have been given a dishonorable burial in a field reserved for the basest of criminals.

Pilate commanded. Before ordering Joseph to take custody of Jesus’ body, Pilate secured from the centurion official confirmation of His death (Mark 15:44, 45). It was unusual that a crucified person should die within six hours. Usually the agony of death continued for many hours longer, sometimes for several days.