And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Ver. 38. A disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear] A disciple he was, though a dastard. Infirmities, if disclaimed, discard us not. Uzziah ceased not to be a king, when he began to be a leper. Joshua the high priest, though ill clothed, yet stood before the angel,Zechariah 3:1; Christ did not abhor his presence, nor reject his service. The Church calleth herself black, Song of Solomon 1:5, but Christ calls her fair, &c. In peace offerings they might offer leavened bread, to show that God will bear with his people's infirmities.