When he knew it of the centurion - Being informed by the centurion of the fact that he was dead. The centurion had charge of the soldiers who watched him, and could therefore give correct information.

And when he knew it of the centurion,.... Who might inform him of his giving up the ghost after he had cried with a loud voice, which so much affected him; and how he was found to be really dead when they came to break the legs of the malefactors; and how that one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, from whence flowed blood and water; so that there was no room to doubt of his being really dead; with which Pilate being satisfied,

he gave the body to Joseph; ordered it to be given to him; gave him leave to take it down from the cross, and inter it.

Body (πτῶμα)

Better, Rev., corpse; as the word is used only of a dead body. See on Matthew 24:28.

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

15:42-47 When the even was come. See notes on Mt 27:57-61 for the Burial of Jesus. Compare Lu 23:50-56 Joh 19:36-42. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, who obtained the body of Jesus and placed it in Joseph's new-made tomb, were both members of the Jewish Sanhedrin. Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night (Joh 3:1,2) and had vainly opposed the animosity of the Sanhedrin (Joh 7:50-53).

15:42-47 We are here attending the burial of our Lord Jesus. Oh that we may by grace be planted in the likeness of it! Joseph of Arimathea was one who waited for the kingdom of God. Those who hope for a share in its privileges, must own Christ's cause, when it seems to be crushed. This man God raised up for his service. There was a special providence, that Pilate should be so strict in his inquiry, that there might be no pretence to say Jesus was alive. Pilate gave Joseph leave to take down the body, and do what he pleased with it. Some of the women beheld where Jesus was laid, that they might come after the sabbath to anoint the dead body, because they had not time to do it before. Special notice was taken of Christ's sepulchre, because he was to rise again. And he will not forsake those who trust in him, and call upon him. Death, deprived of its sting, will soon end the believer's sorrows, as it ended those of the Saviour.