Joseph's motive for for burying Jesus is said by scripture to be the result of his “waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.” He wished to prevent the body from dishonorable burial in a common pit as was often done to those executed.

While there is little information in the Bible about Joseph of Arimathea, there are certain things we learn from the text.  Luke 23:50 says that Joseph was actually a part of the Council, (Sanhedrin), whose leaders had called for Jesus’ crucifixion. Joseph is reported to have been opposed to the Council’s decision. He was a wealthy man (Matthew 27:57), and also described as a “good and upright man” (Luke 23:50).

At great risk to himself and his reputation, Joseph went to the Roman governor to request Jesus’ body. Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had visited Jesus at night (John 19:39,John 3), accompanied Joseph. The two men were granted custody of Jesus’ body, and following Jewish custom, they wrapped the body in strips of linen and mixed in myrrh and aloe. Unbeknownst to Joseph and Nicodemus, their choice to put Jesus in Joseph’s tomb fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy spoken hundreds of years before Jesus’ death: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:9). 

Many dubious stories and legends have arisen regarding Joseph. Some suggest that Joseph of Arimathea was the uncle of Jesus’ mother, Mary, but the Bible does not report such a connection. Other sources Joseph declare that he made many trips to Britain for trade and may have brought the gospel to that country. Since the Bible is silent about Joseph after Jesus’ burial, we cannot know the veracity of any existing legends.