747. Counselor

Listen from:
Mark 15:43. Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counsellor.
See also Luke 23:50.
The expression “counselor” means that Joseph was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrim or Great Council. Luke makes this clear by adding, “The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them” (Luke 23:51). “Them” undoubtedly refers to the Jewish authorities who had condemned Jesus. It is supposed by some that the expression “honorable” was a title of distinction applied to every “counselor” or member of the Sanhedrim.
For a description of this Council, see note on Matthew 26:59 (#718).