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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:42-47

The entombment. The sabbath hurried on—the day of rest. Joseph of Arimathaea, " a councillor of honorable estate, who also himself was looking for the kingdom of God," begged permission of Pilate to have the body of Jesus for interment. Pilate, being satisfied of the death of Jesus, "granted the corpse to Joseph." Then with tender hands he wrapped the body in a linen cloth and laid it in a tomb; "and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb." Now the work is complete. The human... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:42-47

Parallel passages: Matthew 27:57-61 ; Luke 23:50-56 .— The burial. I. SECRET DISCIPLES . Among secret disciples of our Lord were Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus. The residence of the former was Ramah, or Ramathaim, the name signifying a hill; while some identify it with Ramleh in Dan, others with Ramathaim in Ephraim, and others, again, with Ramah in Benjamin. But the character of the man is of much more importance to us than his place of abode. Accordingly, one evangelist... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathaea . St. Jerome says that this city was called Ramathaim-Zophim (the lofty place), where dwelt Elkanah and Hannah of old, and where Samuel was born. Joseph was most probably a native of Arimathaea; but he was now a citizen and counsellor of Jerusalem. He was an honorable counsellor ( εὐσχήμων βουλευτής ), a councillor of honorable estate (Revised Version). St. Matthew says he was a rich man. It is evident that he regarded himself as a settled inhabitant of Jerusalem,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:43

Joseph of Arimathaea. In comparison with the leading apostles of our Lord Joseph of Arimathaea was not distinguished, lie had not the spirituality of St. John, nor the prominence of St. Peter, nor the world-wide influence of St. Paul. We are consciously turning from the generals of Christ's army to contemplate one of the ordinary soldiers; but it was he who, when his natural leaders had fallen, stepped to the front and proved himself a hero. We know but little of Joseph beyond such facts... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:44

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. It must have Been somewhat early in the afternoon, probably not long after three o'clock, when Joseph went. The day being the Preparation, the Jews were anxious to satisfy the letter of the Law ( Deuteronomy 21:13 ), and that, more especially, because the coming sabbath was a "high day." So they had gone early to Pilate to obtain permission to accelerate the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 15:45

And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted ( ἐδωρήσατο ) the corpse ( τὸ πτῶμα ) to Joseph. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 15:43

Joseph, an honorable counselor - A distinguished man, who probably held a high office among the Jews, as one of their great council, or a Jewish senator. The word “honorable,” here, is not a mere title of “office,” but is given in reference to his personal character, as being a man of integrity and blameless life.Waited for the kingdom of God - Waited for, or expected, the coming of the Messiah. But this expression means more than an “indefinite” expectation that the Messiah “would” come, for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 15:44

And Pilate marveled if - Wondered if he was dead, or wondered that he was so soon dead. It was not common for persons crucified to expire under two or three days, sometimes not until the sixth or seventh. Joseph had asked for the “body,” implying that he was dead. That he was, had been ascertained by the soldiers. See John 19:33. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 15:45

When he knew it of the centurion - Being informed by the centurion of the fact that he was dead. The centurion had charge of the soldiers who watched him, and could therefore give correct information. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 15:42-44

Mark 15:42-44. And now, &c. Και ηδη οψιας γενομενης , And the evening being now come. The word οψιας , answering to evening, is used with some latitude in Scripture. The Jews spoke of two evenings, (see notes on Matthew 14:15; Matthew 14:23.) It is probably the former of these that is meant here and Matthew 27:57; for at six the preparation ended, and the sabbath began, when they were no longer at liberty to be employed in the manner mentioned in the subsequent verses. Therefore,... read more

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