Joseph of Arimathea, << `ar` uh muh THEE uh, >> was a wealthy member of the Jewish Sanhedrin (ruling council) in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. He did not support the Sanhedrin’s actions in condemning Jesus. After the Crucifixion, Joseph received permission to take the body of Jesus. He placed it in his own newly carved tomb. The Gospels suggest that Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. Joseph came from Arimathea, a town of uncertain location but probably east of what is now Tel Aviv, Israel. He is said to have taken care of Mary after the Ascension of Jesus until her death. According to another story, Joseph kept the Holy Grail, the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper.
