Mark 15:45

15:42-47 We are here attending the burial of our Lord Jesus. Oh that we may by grace be planted in the likeness of it! Joseph of Arimathea was one who waited for the kingdom of God. Those who hope for a share in its privileges, must own Christ's cause, when it seems to be crushed. This man God raised up for his service. There was a special providence, that Pilate should be so strict in his inquiry, that there might be no pretence to say Jesus was alive. Pilate gave Joseph leave to take down the body, and do what he pleased with it. Some of the women beheld where Jesus was laid, that they might come after the sabbath to anoint the dead body, because they had not time to do it before. Special notice was taken of Christ's sepulchre, because he was to rise again. And he will not forsake those who trust in him, and call upon him. Death, deprived of its sting, will soon end the believer's sorrows, as it ended those of the Saviour.

And when he knew it of the centurion,.... Who might inform him of his giving up the ghost after he had cried with a loud voice, which so much affected him; and how he was found to be really dead when they came to break the legs of the malefactors; and how that one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, from whence flowed blood and water; so that there was no room to doubt of his being really dead; with which Pilate being satisfied, he gave the body to Joseph; ordered it to be given to him; gave him leave to take it down from the cross, and inter it.

Mark 15:45-47 . And he gave the body to Joseph — Pilate gave Joseph leave to take down the body, and do with it what he pleased, the priests either not knowing that he was disposed to make such a grant, or being so influenced that they did not oppose his making it. And he bought fine linen — Thus showing in what great estimation he held Jesus; and took him down — Mangled and macerated as his body was; and wrapped it in the linen — As a treasure of great worth; and laid it in a sepulchre — To perform this necessary service God raised up this man at a time when none of Christ’s disciples had courage or ability to undertake such a thing. See note on Matthew 27:60 . And Mary Magdalene, &c; — beheld — Greek, εθεωρουν , carefully observed where he was laid, having followed those who took down and carried away the body. They were thus particular in observing where the corpse was placed, because of the design they had formed of coming and embalming the body as soon as the sabbath should be over, there not being time to do it before it commenced.

Mark 15:45 . Γνοὺς , having ascertained the fact) that Jesus was really dead.— ἐδωρήσατο , he gave it ) The body of Him who was crucified had been at the disposal of the judge. [ Therefore the body, which was ordained to be kept free from corruption, was subject to the disposal of a man who was a heathen. Marvellous! Joseph, it is to be supposed, would have paid for it no small sum of money .—V. g.]

Mark 15:45 . Satisfied on the point Pilate freely gives ( ἐδωρήσατο ) the carcase ( πτῶμα , [157] [158] [159] [160], corrected from feelings of reverence into σῶμα in many MSS.). [157] Codex Sinaiticus (sæc. iv.), now at St. Petersburg, published in facsimile type by its discoverer, Tischendorf, in 1862. [158] Codex Vaticanus (sæc. iv.), published in photographic facsimile in 1889 under the care of the Abbate Cozza-Luzi. [159] Codex Bezae [160] Codex Regius--eighth century, represents an ancient text, and is often in agreement with א and B.

45 . he gave the body to Joseph ] The word translated “gave” only occurs in the New Testament here and in 2 Peter 1:3-4 ; “according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness;” “whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises.” It means more than simply to give, and= “ to give freely ” “largiri.” The word appears to be used designedly by St Mark, implying that Pilate, who from his character might have been expected to extort money from the wealthy “counsellor,” freely gave up the Body at his request, placing it at his disposal by a written order, or a verbal command to the centurion.