After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to take away the body of Jesus — Joseph, described as a secret disciple fearing the Jewish authorities, now acts openly and courageously. The detail of secrecy-become-boldness demonstrates that the cross transforms discipleship from hiding to public testimony. Joseph's request to Pilate ("to take away the body," arai to sōma) assumes authority over the condemned corpse, permission normally refused.

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