15:43 Joseph of Arimathea. Perhaps from Ramah in Judea, twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem, the city of the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 1:1). See note Luke 23:50, 51.

Council. The Sanhedrin (8:31 note).

kingdom of God. See note 1:15. Joseph was no doubt a pious Pharisee, but also a secret follower of Jesus.

took courage. This is apparently Joseph’s first act of faith, but it comes at a time when all Jesus’ own disciples had fled. Joseph puts himself in conflict with the decision of the Sanhedrin, and jeopardizes his entire future.