“Later” (NIV) or “After these things” (KJV) does not indicate a strict chronological sequence with what has occurred. Joseph did not necessarily go to Pilate immediately after the thrust of the spear; he may have gone as soon as he thought that Christ’s death was imminent or immediately after it had taken place.

The location of Arimathea is not known. However, many have thought it to be identical with Ramathaim-Zophim, the birthplace of the prophet Samuel (1 Sam 1:1). Since Joseph has a tomb near Jerusalem, it seems that he has moved from his birthplace to the capital city.

1 Samuel 1:1  There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

We have not heard of Joseph of Arimathea in any of the gospels until now, unless he was the rich ruler in (Luke 18:18-25). He was a disciple of Jesus who was rich (Matt 27:57), a prominent member of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:42-43), who had not consented to the council’s decision to crucify Jesus (Luke 23:50-51). He was a good man who was waiting for the kingdom of God, a true disciple, although a secret one. It would have been very difficult for a member of the Sanhedrin to acknowledge that he was a follower of Jesus (John 12:41-43), so it is no surprise that Joseph had hidden his thoughts from them until now.

Luke 18:18-25  A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No-one is good— except God alone.  You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.’”  “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!  Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 27:57  As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.

Mark 15:42-43  It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,  Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

Luke 23:50-51  Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man,  who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.

John 12:41-43  Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.  Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;  for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

However, something about the death of Jesus changed Joseph. The closer disciples of Jesus had all fled (Matt 26:56) but Joseph, even though he feared the Jews, now went “boldly” (Mark 15:43) to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. He was making a public declaration for all to see that he loved and honored Jesus. Joseph had not greatly honored Jesus while He was still alive, but now, with this last opportunity, he does the right thing at great risk to himself.

Matthew 26:56  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Mark 15:43  Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.