He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
Ver. 58. He went to Pilate] It was time for him now or never to show himself, and to wax bold, Mark 15:43. The Spaniards, they say, abhor dangers, never adventuring upon hard enterprises, but aiming to proceed securely. "Christ's disciples must speak and do boldly in the Lord," Acts 14:3, whatever come of it. Audendo Graeci pervenere Troiam. Alexander never attempted anything, but he conceived it might be done, and he did it. Historians ascribe most of his success to his courage; and tell us, that having a soldier of his own name in his army whom he knew to be a coward, he commanded him either to change his name, or show his valour. So saith Christ to all his Josephs and Nicodemuses, Either play the men, or pretend not to me.