Joseph of Arimathea: He was possibly from Ramathaim, a village about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Jerusalem. A respected member of the Jewish high council (Sanhedrin), he was also a secret follower of Jesus. He was waiting for the kingdom of God to come (see Matthew 27:57; Luke 23:50–51; John 19:38). He bravely asked Pilate for the body of Jesus so he could bury it.
As a prominent Council member who was not known as a disciple, his request supported Rome's interests. This addressed Jewish concerns about leaving the dead exposed after sunset (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). It also prevented the disciples of Jesus from receiving the body.