A frequent misinterpretation portrays Joseph as a coward whose faith was insincere or dormant until Jesus was safely dead and posed no threat, ignoring the bold public action of approaching Pilate—a Roman governor—as a prominent Jewish council member, which exposed him to severe reprisal; another error assumes his secrecy disqualified him as a true disciple, whereas the passage illustrates that fear and belief can coexist, and his initiative honored Jesus while advancing God's redemptive narrative without contradicting his prior caution.
John 19:38
King James Version (1769)
38 And after this Joseph of Arimathea, 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.
John 19:38 introduces Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus motivated by fear of Jewish authorities, who courageously requests Jesus' body from Pilate after the crucifixion, highlighting how God uses even those with hidden faith to fulfill divine purposes, such as providing a proper burial that echoes Old Testament prophecies and demonstrates that true devotion can overcome personal fears at critical moments.