He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus Christ. Then Pilate ordered that the body be given to him.
Joseph of Arimathea’s faith here turns into action. He, who until then may have remained a secret disciple, now steps forward openly and boldly goes to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. This step required great courage, because Jesus was regarded as a condemned criminal, and Joseph belonged to the Sanhedrin, the council that had sentenced Him to death (Luke 23:50–52). Yet at that moment faith and love overcame fear. Joseph received permission and prepared for the Lord’s proper burial. Pilate’s agreement to give the body also testified to divine providence: even the Roman authority, without realizing it, acted within God’s plan of salvation. This episode reminds us that true faith is shown not only in words, but also in courageous steps, especially when the world resists.