Joseph of Arimathea a perfect match for Apostle Barnabas as the Gospels’ ‘rich young man’

by Damien F. Mackey It remains to be determined if we can reconcile the geography – the fact that we have Joseph of Arimathea, on the one hand, while, on the other hand, Joseph Barnabas was from Cyprus. Here I take some of the key points that were picked up about the ‘rich young man’ of the Gospels in the article: Was Apostle Barnabas the Gospels’ ‘rich young man’? (2) Was Apostle Barnabas the Gospels' 'rich young man'? and now apply them also to Joseph of Arimathea. 1. His name was Joseph. Acts 4:36: “Joseph … whom the apostles called Barnabas …”. John 19:38: “After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus”. 2. He was rich. Mark 10:22: “When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions”. Matthew 27:57: “There came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus.” 3. He was a good man. Acts 11:24: “[Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith …”. Luke 23:50: “Now there was a man named Joseph … a good and upright man …”. 4. He was a seeker after righteousness. Mark 10:17: ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Mark 15:43: “Joseph of Arimathea … who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God …”. 5. He was a Levite, and a ruler in the Sanhedrin. Luke 18:18: “A certain ruler [member of the Sanhedrin] asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’” Acts 4:36: “Joseph, a Levite …”. Mark 15:43: “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin …”. (Possibly, therefore, a Levite). 6. Gave over his property. Acts 4:36-37: “Joseph … sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet”. Mark 15:46: “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb”. Readers may perhaps be able to suggest further points of comparison. It remains to be determined if we can reconcile the geography – the fact that we have Joseph of Arimathea, on the one hand, while, on the other hand, Joseph Barnabas was from Cyprus (Acts 4:36: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus …”). We well know where Cyprus was, and still is. So, what about Arimathea? Fortunately, for our purposes, “the exact site [of Arimathea] remains uncertain”. Thus, for instance: Bible Map: Arimathea Arimathea is believed to be located in the region of Ramathaim-Zophim in the hill-country of Ephraim, which is associated with the modern village of Beit Rima, about 2 miles north of Timnah. Other theories suggest it may correspond to Rentis, located twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem, or Ramleh, on the road from Jaffa to Jerusalem. The exact site remains uncertain, with various interpretations of its location. Arimathea - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway ARIMATHEA ăr’ ə mə the ə (̓Αριμαθαία; KJV, ASV ARIMATHAEA). The native town of Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who, after the Crucifixion, obtained the body of Jesus and placed it in his own unused tomb (Matt 27:57-60; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38). It is mentioned in the NT only in connection with the story of Joseph of Arimathea. The exact site is uncertain …. Arimathea - Wikipedia Arimathea or Arimathaea (Koine Greek: Ἀριμαθέα) or Harimathaea or Harimathea (Ἁριμαθαία, Harimathaía) was a purported city of Judea. It was the reported home of Joseph of Arimathea, who appears in all four canonical Gospel accounts of the Passion of Jesus for having donated his new tomb outside Jerusalem to receive the body of Jesus (see Matt. 27:57–59; Mark 15:42–45; Luke 23:50–53; John 19:38–40). There is no external evidence for the existence of Arimathea …. Given such negative conclusions about the location of Arimathea, can we, in accordance with this article, find it situated, instead in Cyprus, from whence hailed Joseph Barnabas the Levite? I believe that we can, thereby wrapping up Joseph of Arimathea with our rich young man, Joseph Barnabas. It is Amathus (Amathea), To my great surprise, I find this comment by Wikipedia (I, only a minute earlier, having never heard that Amathus had been connected with Joseph of Arimathea): Amathus - Wikipedia “Amathus is an ancient city located on the southern coast of Cyprus, known for its historical significance and archaeological remains. It is believed to be the legendary home of Joseph of Arimathea, who is reported to have donated his tomb to receive the body of Jesus after his crucifixion”. While I think that this is correct, that Amathus was the home of our composite Joseph, has Wikipedia got its wires crossed here?