Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin and a follower of Jesus. According to the canonical Gospels, he was a respected elder who did not agree with the decision to crucify Jesus. Following the crucifixion, he requested permission from Pontius Pilate to claim the body. He then provided his own prepared rock-cut tomb to serve as a resting place for Jesus, wrapping the body in linen and spices for the burial.