And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Without Joseph's intervention the body would have been left to be handled by soldiers and cast into the dishonored burial place reserved for executed criminals, for those put to death for crimes against the Roman government. Joseph and Nicodemus, wealthy and influential members of the Sanhedrin, were determined to secure an honorable burial for Him instead.
Pilate had not known Jesus was dead until Joseph asked for the body, for conflicting reports about the crucifixion had reached him while knowledge of the death had been purposely kept from him. He was surprised at the request, because those crucified often lingered for days. The priests and rulers had also warned him against deception by Christ's disciples regarding His body.
Upon hearing Joseph's request Pilate sent for and questioned the centurion who had charge and command at the cross, in order to verify the death. The centurion confirmed that Jesus was really and truly dead, so Pilate learned for certain that Jesus had died. Pilate also drew from him an account of the scenes at Calvary, and that account corroborated and confirmed Joseph's testimony.
Pilate then gave, granted and officially released the body to Joseph of Arimathea for burial. The release was authorized by an official order from Pilate, which Joseph carried back so the burial could proceed. That permission made it possible for Joseph with the other disciples to take the body down, wrap it in fine linen, and lay it in Joseph's own new tomb as an honored burial instead of a criminals' burial, with the women watching where it was placed.
Angels guarded that resting place, waiting to free Jesus from the grave. Hearing that Jesus died as the darkness ended strengthened Pilate's belief that Jesus was no ordinary man and deepened his regret for condemning Him.
Without Joseph's intervention the body would have been left to be handled by soldiers and cast into the dishonored burial place reserved for executed criminals, for those put to death for crimes against the Roman government. Joseph and Nicodemus, wealthy and influential members of the Sanhedrin, were determined to secure an honorable burial for Him instead.
Pilate had not known Jesus was dead until Joseph asked for the body, for conflicting reports about the crucifixion had reached him while knowledge of the death had been purposely kept from him. He was surprised at the request, because those crucified often lingered for days. The priests and rulers had also warned him against deception by Christ's disciples regarding His body.
Upon hearing Joseph's request Pilate sent for and questioned the centurion who had charge and command at the cross, in order to verify the death. The centurion confirmed that Jesus was really and truly dead, so Pilate learned for certain that Jesus had died. Pilate also drew from him an account of the scenes at Calvary, and that account corroborated and confirmed Joseph's testimony.
Pilate then gave, granted and officially released the body to Joseph of Arimathea for burial. The release was authorized by an official order from Pilate, which Joseph carried back so the burial could proceed. That permission made it possible for Joseph with the other disciples to take the body down, wrap it in fine linen, and lay it in Joseph's own new tomb as an honored burial instead of a criminals' burial, with the women watching where it was placed.
Angels guarded that resting place, waiting to free Jesus from the grave. Hearing that Jesus died as the darkness ended strengthened Pilate's belief that Jesus was no ordinary man and deepened his regret for condemning Him.