Who is Joseph of Arimathea?

• A. A Roman centurion who offered calls to guard the tomb.
• B. A wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who requested Jesus' body and provided a tomb.
• C. A fisherman who became a disciple.
• D. A Pharisee who opposed Jesus.

Answer: (B)

Joseph of Arimathea is described in the gospel accounts as a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who secretly followed Jesus. After Jesus’ crucifixion, he goes to Pilate to request Jesus’ body and, with the body prepared for burial, provides his own new tomb for Jesus to be laid in. This act of honoring Jesus with a respectful burial fits his profile as a man of means within the Jewish leadership who chooses to risk public association to ensure Jesus’ burial is proper. He is not the Roman centurion, not a fisherman, and not someone who openly opposed Jesus; he is connected to the ruling council and plays a crucial, tangible role in Jesus’ burial.