47 And when the captain saw what was done, he gave praise to God, saying, Without doubt this was an upright man. 48 And all the people who had come together to see it, when they saw the things which were done, went back again making signs of grief. 49 And all his friends and the women who came with him from Galilee, were waiting at a distance, watching these things.
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a man of authority and a good and upright man 51 (He had not given his approval to their decision or their acts), of Arimathaea, a town of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God: 52 This man went to Pilate and made a request for the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and folding it in a linen cloth, he put it in a place cut in the rock for a dead body; and no one had ever been put in it. 54 Now it was the day of making ready and the Sabbath was coming on. 55 And the women who had come with him from Galilee went after him and saw the place and how his body had been put to rest; 56 And they went back and got ready spices and perfumes; and on the Sabbath they took their rest, in agreement with the law.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:47-56
Commentary on Luke 23:44-49
(Read Luke 23:44-49)
We have here the death of Christ magnified by the wonders that attended it, and his death explained by the words with which he breathed out his soul. He was willing to offer himself. Let us seek to glorify God by true repentance and conversion; by protesting against those who crucify the Saviour; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.
Commentary on Luke 23:50-56
(Read Luke 23:50-56)
Many, though they do not make any show in outward profession, yet, like Joseph of Arimathea, will be far more ready to do real service, when there is occasion, than others who make a greater noise. Christ was buried in haste, because the sabbath drew on. Weeping must not hinder sowing. Though they were in tears for the death of their Lord, yet they must prepare to keep holy the sabbath. When the sabbath draws on, there must be preparation. Our worldly affairs must be so ordered, that they may not hinder us from our sabbath work; and our holy affections so stirred up, that they may carry us on in it. In whatever business we engage, or however our hearts may be affected, let us never fail to get ready for, and to keep holy, the day of sacred rest, which is the Lord's day.