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The Royal and Pontifical

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila

ST. JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA: THE EXTRAORDINARY CALLING

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A Term Paper Submitted

to Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Sacred Theology

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In Partial Fulfilment
for the Ancient Church History
by
SEM. ROGER RYAN DELA ROSA ALBA

May 2023
Manila, Philippines
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ABSTRACT

Christians know Jesus Christ's crucifixion and how Joseph of Arimathea consented to
have Him taken down from the cross. Just a few hours before the Sabbath, Joseph and
Nicodemus arranged Jesus' burial in a new tomb built for Joseph. There is much more to learn
about Joseph, referenced in all four of the Bible's gospels. The sources for this article are the
Gospels, historically verifiable accounts from antiquity, allusions to letters and other sources.

KEYWORDS

ǀ St. Joseph of Arimathea ǀ Christian ǀ Jesus ǀ Great Responsibility ǀ Rich Man ǀ

OUTLINE

A. INTRODUCTION

B. DISCUSSION

I. Biography: The Personal Data

II. Problems faced by man: The Reflections of self as Man of Contradiction
a. Joseph of Arimathea - coward or saint?
III. Solutions applicable to man: Salvation through Encountering with Christ

C. CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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A. Introduction

We all have a part to play in the redemption tale as Christians. We get to participate in
the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth. We often overlook this reality in the tedium of
daily living, yet it's frequently in the mundane that our lights shine the brightest. World changers
can be found among the commonplace. We can praise God through our character and quality no
matter where or what we do.

The narrative of the man who decided to bury Jesus after Joseph of Arimathea tells his
crucifixion. Joseph is only a footnote in the Bible, yet his deeds speak volumes and show the
working Christian how to live for Christ amid a culture that rejects Him. Joseph is mentioned in
passing in all four gospel stories. Through the words of Scripture, Joseph of Arimathea
powerfully, pertinently, and compellingly speaks to our current day. He teaches us to value the
commonplace. A regular person who leads an everyday life can be a tool in God's hands for His
purposes. Joseph of Arimathea presents a paradigm-shifting perspective on what it means to be a
person of the tiny print. He describes what it means to be a disciple of Christ in a secular world
by closely examining this disciple's life.

Joseph of Arimathea is one of the more mysterious figures in the New Testament. He is
mentioned briefly by all four of the evangelists. Yet, we glean little about him from the Gospel
accounts—Joseph of Arimathea, a businessman and a secret disciple of Jesus. During Jesus’ life,
Joseph followed Jesus surreptitiously, fearing that associating with Jesus would destroy his
career.1

Joseph teaches us that little acts of loyalty may result in tremendous influence and effect
via justice, conscience, and power at a time when influence, followers, and clout are the norm.
The modern perspective of being ready to defend what is right, frequently in the face of an
increasingly hostile culture, is validated by Joseph of Arimathea.

B. Discussion
1
Ken Costa, Joseph of Arimathea: The Extraordinary Calling of the Ordinary People, (USA: iDisciple
Publishing, 2020)
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I. Biography: The Personal Data

Joseph was born in Arimathea (now Ramallah, Palestine) in 41 BCE and passed away in
Glastonbury, England, at 86 in 45 C.E. Due to his commercial activities across the
Mediterranean Sea, South America, and southern England, where there were abundant copper
and tin mines, he was also a resident of de Marmore in Egypt. At that time, England produced
the most tin from mining. The Romans appointed Joseph, a successful trader and Minister of
Mines.
Jesus would have spent those alleged missing years of our Lord's life aboard his great-
uncle's commercial ships as a teenager and young man. It was also mentioned that Joseph
adhered to Essene beliefs. If true, it would explain why some academics think Jesus had a
preference for this group. To sustain their population, members raised the children of others
while living apart from their wives. This would also explain why Jesus was receiving instruction
from his great-uncle. There are stories from that era of Jesus traveling on trade routes via coastal
cities with his great-uncle, particularly in southern England and India.
Joseph is the son of Matthat, Levi ben Melchi, and Esthra/Estha; Joseph is the husband of
Anna bat Simon of Arimathea and Alyuba bat Ekeazar; Joseph is the brother of Joachim, Heli
ben Matat and Bianca; He is the half-brother of JoAnna of Arimathea. His stepmother is Rachel
of Arimathea. Joseph is the younger brother of Joachim, who was Mary's, the mother of Jesus,
uncle, and the great uncle of Jesus.2
According to Sanhedrin's records, Joseph has the role of counselor and is a voting
member, making him a significant individual. Because the synagogue elders had a strong distaste
for Jesus, he kept his status as a disciple of Jesus a secret. The elders and Romans were furious
with him and Nicodemus, a Pharisee who believed in the afterlife when he went to Pilate to
secure the corpse of Jesus. They helped to prepare Jesus' corpse for burial. Usually, the family
women were in charge of preparing a body for burial. The Sabbath was only a few hours away.
Therefore this was an urgent problem. Joseph accepted the duty because he was family. Most of
the disciples fled for their lives, and the women left could not finish the task in time.
The elders disagreed, so they had Joseph arrested and put in jail. Nicodemus was
subjected to torture and was dangerously beaten. He was saved by his brother, who kept him at
2
Joan Berry, “What you may not Know about Joseph of Arimathea,” December 10, 2020 . Accessed from
http://joan-berry.com/what-you-may-not-know-about-joseph-of-arimathea/ on May 2, 2023.
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his rural estate for the remainder of his life. Jesus visited Joseph when he was incarcerated by
passing through the jail bars. Following this myth, Jesus promised Joseph that as he had taken
care of His body, He would now take care of his. Together, they entered the prison bars into
freedom as Jesus grasped his hand. To Arimathea, Joseph took refuge. According to tradition, the
guards arrived to find the cell empty and the lock unbroken. The elders called Joseph to set up a
meeting after learning about the event and receiving their report. They dismissed the accusations
against Joseph after hearing his testimony. But because of Joseph's power and money, there was
an exception.
Several historical sources tell that about 37 C.E. and after Stephen was stoned to
death on the order of the Sanhedrin, Joseph and the Apostle Phillip and a group of Jesus'
followers escaped by sea by sailing from Phoenicia. 3 They were fortunate because the Sanhedrin
ordered any followers arrested to be loaded onto boats without sails and oars and set adrift on the
sea as they set sail. Many were rescued or drifted to small islands.4
Those who accompanied Joseph and Phillip used the event as their initial sea-borne
missionary journey. According to Maurus (CE 766-850), the followers were: Mary, Martha,
Lazarus, and the sisters' maid, Marcella; Eutopus; Mary Salome (Jesus' sister) and her maid,
Sara; Mary Cleopos; Saturnus; Mary Magdalene; Maximin, a young ruler; Martral; Traphimus
(or Restitus) and others.5
The group sailed from the Levant in the Phoenician homeland. At that time,
Phoenicia bordered Judea. The Phoenicians were masters of the seas and trading routes and had
trading posts around the entire Mediterranean Sea and beyond to South America and the British
Isles, especially southern England. They established three main trading routes: the shores of the
northern sea, the shores of the southern sea, and a route running across the center of the sea to
trade with the islands. It was the center route that the group took to Gaul (France) and Marseilles.

3
Berry, Violet. (2020). What You May Not Know About Joseph of Arimathea. Accessed from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347096428_What_You_May_Not_Know_About_Joseph_of_Arimathea/
citation/download on May 2, 2023.
4
Joan Berry. (2021) Mary Magdalene’s Escape by Sea. Accessed from https://joan-berry.com/827-2/ on
May 2, 2023.
5
Ibid.
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Maximinus, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarus parted from the group while Phillip scouted the area
for missionary work.6
Lazarus became the Bishop of Marseilles, and Maximinus traveled with Mary Magdalene
throughout southern France as escort and protector as they carried out missionary work.
Maximinus later became the Bishop of Aix-en-Provence. Mary died in 63CE at 72 years of age.
When she knew her time was near, she traveled to Aix, where the bishop, her friend, took her
confession. Her remains reside in the Basilica of Mary Magdalene in Sainte- Maximinus-la-
Sainte-Baume. Other countries claim she died in them, but King Charles II found her grave and
built a new tomb. Due to wars and looting, her remains were eventually moved to the basilica,
with King Charles being informed of the move and why.
From Marseilles, Joseph, Phillip, and the remainder of the group, it was sailed to southern
England, turning east along the coast toward the English Channel and running aground in the
Glastonbury marshes, where Apostle Phillip sent Joseph ashore with twelve disciples. According
to a legend, that is mostly true. The group climbed a nearby hill to view the surrounding
countryside and, being tired, rested there. This place became known as "Wearyall Hill." Joseph
declared the area sacred and planted his walking staff crafted from Jesus' crown of thorns. The
staff took root, and a white thorn bush sprouted and grew. This species is reported to only
naturally increase in the eastern Mediterranean area, including Judea. It is also said that the bush
blooms twice a year – Easter and Christmas.
Joseph built an abbey (Vetresta Ecclesia) from mud wattle on the sacred site and decreed
that twelve monks should permanently reside there; this church was destroyed by fire in 1184. It
was the first Christian church built after Jesus' resurrection. Joseph died in 45CE at age 86 and
was buried near the abbey. Later, after the monastery was destroyed, his remains were moved to
a new grave in the chancel of Glastonbury-abbey where he is honored with an elegant tomb that
bears the following engraving:
HERE LIES THE BODY OF THAT MOST NOBLE DISCIPLE,
RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE BY THE NAME OF JOSEPH OF
ARIMATHEA, AND NOTED BY THE FOUR EVANGELISTS, ST.
MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN, FOR HIS BEGGING THE

6
Cf. Berry, Violet. (2020). What You May Not Know About Joseph of Arimathea. Accessed from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347096428_What_You_May_Not_Know_About_Joseph_of_Arimathea/
citation/download on May 2, 2023.
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BODY OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR WHEN CRUCIFIED TO

REDEEM LOST MEN FROM ETERNAL DESTRUCTION, AND
BURYING IT IN A TOMB OF HIS OWN MAKING. HE DIED A.D.
45, AGED 86.7

II. Problems faced by man: The reflections of self as Man of Contradiction

One of the significant questions that arose was whether Joseph of Arimathea was a
member of the council who accused Jesus as a criminal. Well, we know nothing about Joseph's
early life or upbringing. Arimathea, where he was raised, is not mentioned again in the Bible, nor
do we know precisely where it is—a place just as ambiguous as the man Scripture attests came
from there. From here, during Jesus' life, Joseph followed Jesus surreptitiously as he was afraid
associating with Jesus would destroy his career. After Jesus' death, something shifted in Joseph
—he bravely identified with Jesus and used his clout and resources within the community to give
Jesus an honorable burial. It took courage to associate with someone killed for being a
revolutionary, but Joseph took the risk because he believed Jesus was who He said He was. In
Joseph's search for truth, He found it in Jesus.8
He was considered a man of contradictions because we know Joseph belonged to the
Jewish Sanhedrin, a gathering of the 71 rabbis appointed to the council. Considering that being a
council member indicated you had a prominent position, we can safely assume he was a
powerful, wealthy individual. As a result, Jesus ejecting the traders from the temple for not
paying the temple levy was undoubtedly a significant source of income from which Joseph
benefitted.9 Yet, Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. He probably did not want to come out as a
public supporter of Jesus since many in the council believed Jesus to be a heretic. The Gospel of
Mark tells us that Joseph went boldly to Pilate to ask for the body. Joseph saw this as an
opportunity to honor the man who he silently followed; Joseph took this moment to declare his
devotion publicly. Associating with a criminal would tarnish his reputation, but he stepped
forward anyway. He knew he had the means to bury Jesus properly.
7
The History of that Holy Disciple Joseph of Arimathea. https://d.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/text/history-of-
that-holy-disciple-joseph-of-arimathea
8
Ken Costa, Joseph of Arimathea: The Extraordinary Calling of the Ordinary People, (USA: iDisciple
Publishing, 2020) 5.
9
Cf. Ibid.
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A. Joseph of Arimathea - coward or saint?

Whether Joseph of Arimathea was a coward or a saint has been the subject of intense
religious discussion throughout history. On the side of cowardice, detractors note that Joseph, a
disciple of Jesus, was reluctant to make such a public announcement "because he feared the
Jews" (John 19:38). It seems to be another instance of a wealthy member of a governing class
who is reluctant to express opinions that would be considered socially incorrect out of concern
about upsetting the status quo.10
Joseph's alternative point of view has more support. Joseph may not have publicly
acknowledged his discipleship of Jesus while the Savior was on earth, but two of his deeds
would appear to firmly qualify him as a "defender of the faith":

1. Joseph appears to have been one of (or perhaps the sole) members of the Sanhedrin "who
had not consented to their decision and action" (Luke 23:51) regarding the trial of Jesus.

2. Joseph bravely went to Pilate, boldly requesting the body of Jesus, and (with
Nicodemus) buried the body according to Jewish burial customs. 11 This was a courageous
act because it should be remembered that during this time, all of the apostles had fled
(except, possibly, John), and Peter had denied he even knew Christ. And yet Joseph, at the
seeming low point in the earthly ministry of Christ, bravely and openly took care of
Christ's body, risking possible censor from both the Romans and the Jewish elders.
Commentator Dwight Moody discusses the bravery of Joseph in asking Pilate for the
body:

"I consider this was one of the sublimest, grandest acts that any man ever did.
In that darkness and gloom — His disciples having all forsaken Him; Judas
having sold Him for thirty pieces of silver; the chief apostle Peter having
denied him with a curse, swearing that he never knew Him; the chief priests
having found Him guilty of blasphemy; the council having condemned Him
to death; and when there was a hiss going up to heaven over all Jerusalem —

10
Robert Jones, Joseph of Arimathea: Biblical & Legendary Accounts, (Georgia: Zondervan Publishing
House, 2009), 8.
11
Ibid.
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Joseph went right against the current, right against the influence of all his
friends, and begged the body of Jesus."12

III. Solutions applicable to man: Salvation through Encountering with Christ

When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the
sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting
the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
―Mark 15:42–43
There is a fantastic contrast here between the public disciples of our Lord and his secret
disciples. At this time, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, Judas, was exposed as a betrayer. 13 All
along, he was pretending to be a follower of Jesus but stealing money from the treasury and
being no disciple. God uses secret disciples to accomplish His purposes. Joseph of Arimathea
was in the right place of influence to act at just the right time to fulfill Biblical prophecy and
achieve the purposes of God. Joseph acted in the worst places at a low point in human history.
We can assume in our day that God has his chosen instruments among them. Expect secret
believers to rise up in the right place at the right time for the purposes of God to be
accomplished.14
Secret believers frequently progress in their religion. Following his covert encounter with
Jesus, Nicodemus underwent a development in his faith. Scripture proves that he gradually came
to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. He didn't speak out against his Sanhedrin abusing the
Mosaic Law about Jesus until months after meeting him. Similar to how Joseph voiced his
objections to the council before boldly approaching Pilate. Every disciple is undergoing the
process of sanctification, and if the secret believer found in the Hindu world today is receptive to
the Lord, they will be progressing in faith. It may take months or years before they have moved
along to the point that they can boldly approach a high official for the honor of Christ-like
Joseph of Arimathea did.

12
Moody, Dwight L., "Bible Characters," (Oregon: Sage Software, 1995), 116.

13
Karl Ingersoll, Joseph of Arimathea, Sermons by Logos, Accessed from
https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/5836-joseph-of-arimathea on May 2, 2023.
14
Brad Beaman, Strange things are happening: Joseph of Arimathea, January 1, 2008, Accessed from
https://bradbeaman.wordpress.com/2008/01/01/strange-things-are-happening-joseph-of-arimathea/ on May 1, 2023.
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God has used secret disciples of Jesus in ways we would not have thought. It is stretching
for us to think that among the Sanhedrin such disciples of Jesus would emerge. Joseph of
Arimathea took action when the public disciples who had spent time with Jesus lost heart. Joseph
of Arimathea has left his legacy for us.15
The cross marked the turning point in human history when our Lord gave his life in order
to, as the Bible says, be risen on the third day. The heroes of the day were the covert disciples.
The corpse of Jesus was laid in Joseph of Arimathea's own tomb. We might need to fully
understand the scope of what that covert disciples have accomplished in the name of our Lord.

Conclusion
The life of Joseph of Arimathea was one of the most inspiring stories to be shared.
However, it remained secret and unfamiliar to some. His actions were evidence that God works
in mysterious ways, that despite His only Begotten Son going to die, He still had the plan to call
for someone to take good care of the remains of the Saviour. Even though the Jews viewed Jesus
as a false prophet and worthy to die most excruciatingly and embarrassingly, he was still given a
proper and royal burial.
The big plan of God's salvation of humanity is truly reflected in every scene in the life of
Christ. Joseph was surprised to find out with certainty that his deeds would be depicted in the
Scripture for generations. Yet he faithfully did what he could do with what he had. This is a
challenging thing. Sometimes, our purpose can feel doubtful, and we question why we do what
we do. This must have been how it felt for Joseph. We cannot ignore the hours that we hear
nothing about—living in the tension of waiting, grieving, and suffering. His hopes were
entombed in the sealed grave where his friend and master lay. Did he trust God when the pain
seemed pointless? Did he believe God could weave the fragmented, broken story together? His
words and actions indicate an affirmative.
When the silent, doubt-filled Saturdays leave you feeling purposeless, you can turn to
Christ for help. This is what the resurrection infuses into our daily lives: hope, new life,
restoration, redemption, and fulfillment. Even on dark Saturdays, we have what Joseph never
had: the assurance that there is life. This scene should comfort and encourage us. Remember
what Joseph must have witnessed the next time you find yourself in despair. Remember what
15

Ibid.
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Joseph must have observed when you're entombed by fear and doubt. The subsequent time pain
and pointlessness attack and attempt to push you into the darkened tomb, remember what Joseph
must have seen. The tomb was empty. This is the Christian hope, which is verified by the miracle
that left Joseph's tomb. We can now build our lives on the promises of God. We now have a
purpose. Nothing is pointless. Even the most devastating situations can be turned around by
God's grace and resurrection power: an unbreakable word, a victory of such finality. We stand on
this unshakable and precious promise of God. Death has been swallowed up in victory. It's a
promise that's more precious than anything else we could ever grip or hold onto. Joseph of
Arimathea was a wise man. He did his duty, fulfilled his purpose, and became an example for
generations of Christians. We now have hope in what he witnessed: that Jesus Christ rose from
the dead. The underwriting of the new life, the unique historic moment on the cross. We now live
among the sunlit fruits of life. The stone he placed across his tomb, subsequently sealed by
imperial command, was rolled away. What was dead became alive. What was broken became
whole.

Bibliography
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Beaman, Brad. "Strange things are happening: Joseph of Arimathea." Accessed May 1, 2023.
https://bradbeaman.wordpress.com/2008/01/01/strange-things-are-happening-joseph-of-
arimathea/.

Berry, Jerry. Historical & Spiritual Views of the Seven Churches of Revelation & Other Topics
of Study. North Carolina: Lulu Press, 2019.

Costa, Kevin. Joseph of Arimathea: The Extraordinary Calling of the Ordinary People. USA:
iDisciple Publishing, 2020.

Dumond, Jean D. "Joseph of Arimathea." Accessed May 2, 2023.

https://sightedmoon.com/joseph-of-arimathea/.

Howell, C., and K. Khler. Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: KTAV Publishing House, 1901.

Kraentzler, Ernst F. History of Richard Plantagenet & Cecily de Neville. New York, NY:
HarperCollins, 1978.

Moody, Dwight L. Bible Characters. Oregon: Sage Software, 1995.

Walker, A., trans. Gospel of Nicodemus. North Carolina: Lulu Publishing, 2020.