Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 27:58 - 27:58

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Matthew 27:58 - 27:58


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58. ἐκέλευσεν ἀποδοθῆναι, after having ascertained from the centurion that Jesus was dead. Usually those who suffered crucifixion lingered for days upon the cross. By Roman law the corpse of a crucified person was not buried except by express permission of the Emperor. A concession was made in favour of the Jews, whose law did not suffer a man to hang all night upon a tree. Deu 21:23. (See Jahn, Bib. Ant. 296.) ‘The readiness of Pilate to grant Joseph’s request is quite in accordance with his anxiety to release Jesus and his displeasure against the Jews. If Joseph had not made this request, the body of Jesus would have been placed in one of the common burying-places appointed by the Council’ (Lightfoot, Hor. Hebr. ad loc.).