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JosephSmithSr.
So shall it be with my father: he shall be called a prince over his posterity, holding the keys of the patriarchal priesthood over the kingdom of God on earth, even the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and he shall sit in the general assembly of patriarchs, even in council with the Ancient of Days when he shall sit and all the patriarchs with him and shall enjoy his right and authority under the direction of the Ancient of Days. |
ARIMATHAEA, Joseph
0001 - 0082 (~ 81 years) 
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Name ARIMATHAEA, Joseph Birth 0001 Arimethea, Judea 
Gender Male _TAG Reviewed on FS _TAG Temple Death 27 Jul 0082 Glastonbury, Wales Burial Aug 0082 Glastonbury, Somerset, England Headstones 
Submit Headstone Photo Person ID I11416 Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith Last Modified 19 Aug 2021
Father Matthat ben Levi , b. Israel Israeld. 01 AD, Nazareth, Galilee, Judea Family ID F6122 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family SIMON, Anna bint d. DECEASED 
Children2 daughters Family ID F6121 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 24 Jan 2022
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Notes - THE ROYAL LINE CHART PREPARED FOR THE NEW YORK STAKE GENEALOGICAL BOARD THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY DAINTS CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION - MARCH 1936 Compiled from - "The Kinship of families" by Archibald F. Bennett "Adam to New Chart" by Mrs. Eva Sells Jaeger "Europe's Royal Family Tree" by E. L. Sandberg "Pedigree of Joseph Smith, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt" by Karl Weiss "Present Time and Prophecies" by James H. Anderson Bible, Pearl of Great Price Secular History Abraham 3: "And God saw these souls that they were good and He said I will make them these my rulers." (Notice - These copies are presented to you with some misspelling and omission due to human errors. We offer it as a challenge to anyone to correct them.) ---------------- Joseph of Arimathea came to England after the crucifixion of Christ and is buried in Glastonbury. His tombstone reads, "Here lyeth St. Joseph of Aramathea. 'I came here after burying Our Lord.'" Legend has it that St Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with eleven companions, bringing with them the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper, with the intention of establishing the first Christian foundation in England. What is certain is that a great abbey was built here, replaced by another in 1303, the ruins of which are seen today. At the top of the Tor is the remains of St Michael's Chapel which was destroyed by a landslip in 1271. It is well worth the effort to climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular view. GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph of THE ROYAL LINE CHART PREPARED FOR THE NEW YORK STAKE GENEALOGICAL BOARD THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY DAINTS CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION - MARCH 1936 Compiled from - "The Kinship of families" by Archibald F. Bennett "Adam to New Chart" by Mrs. Eva Sells Jaeger "Europe's Royal Family Tree" by E. L. Sandberg "Pedigree of Joseph Smith, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt" by Karl Weiss "Present Time and Prophecies" by James H. Anderson Bible, Pearl of Great Price Secular History Abraham 3: "And God saw these souls that they were good and He said I will make them these my rulers." (Notice - These copies are presented to you with some misspelling and omission due to human errors. We offer it as a challenge to anyone to correct them.) ---------------- Joseph of Arimathea came to England after the crucifixion of Christ and is buried in Glastonbury. His tombstone reads, "Here lyeth St. Joseph of Aramathea. 'I came here after burying Our Lord.'" Legend has it that St Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with eleven companions, bringing with them the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper, with the intention of establishing the first Christian foundation in England. What is certain is that a great abbey was built here, replaced by another in 1303, the ruins of which are seen today. At the top of the Tor is the remains of St Michael's Chapel which was destroyed by a landslip in 1271. It is well worth the effort to climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular view. ----------------------- The Noble Joseph of Arimathea He was in the TIN trade! JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA IN BRITAIN by John D. Keyser With a brief mention in the four gospels, Joseph of Arimathea leaves the New Testament record never to be heard from again. However, this intrepid and fearless man of God is NOT lost from the pages of secular records. History and tradition records the incredible story of Joseph's relationship to Christ and the journeys they made together to the western confines of the Roman Empire. Joseph's business interests ... makes fascinating reading and reveals apart of God's intricate plan for the redemption of His people Israel! No story is more riveting or more exciting than that of the drama of Joseph of Arimathea and the founding of the Church of God in the tin islands of Britain! We get a fleeting glimpse in the New Testament. This great man of God strides onto center stage, commands our attention for a few short verses then, just as quickly, disappears - never to be heard from again! Yet this man, whose life is just as fascinating or as intriguing as that of Paul or Peter, performed a VITAL MISSION in the plan of God! Matthew records in chapter 27: Now when evening had come, there came a RICH MAN from Arimathea, named JOSEPH, Who himself had also become A DISCIPLE OF JESUS. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. And when JOSEPH had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed." (Verses 57-60, NKJV). With these words Joseph of Arimathea disappears from the pages of the Bible. The other gospels cover the SAME EVENTS, adding details that Matthew doesn't mention. We read in Mark: "Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of arimathea, a PROMINENT COUNCIL MEMBER who was himself WAITING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, coming in and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. And when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb" - Verses 42-46, NKJV. Luke adds little that is not coveted by Matthew and Mark: "And behold, there was a man named Joseph, A COUNCIL MEMBER, A GOOD AND JUST MAN. HE HAD NOT CONSENTED TO THEIR COUNSEL AND DEED. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the Kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before" (Luke 13:50-53, NKJV). John, the apostle of love, tells us a little more: "After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a DISCIPLE OF JESUS, BUT SECRETLY, FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And NICODEMUS, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby" - John 19:38-42, NKJV. To most readers of the Bible, therefore, Joseph of Arimathea is remembered in passing as the rich man who took the body of Christ down from the tree and placed it in his own private sepulcher. He then silently passes out of the Scriptural record leaving no trace whatsoever in the Word of God! As E. Raymond Capt notes: "Strangely, the Bible has nothing further to say about Joseph of Arimathea, following the crucifixion. Surely this man who was a disciple of Jesus; who had shown rare courage in begging the body of Jesus, would have become a close follower of Christ after the transforming experience at Pentecost. The Bible never mentions him again, yet we are not left in the dark concerning the DOMINANT ROLE Joseph played in the spreading of Christianity." ("The Traditions of Glastonbury." Artisan Sales, Thousand Oaks, CA 1983. p.21). WHO was this man who, in all probability, risked the wrath of the Jewish authorities when he requested the body of Christ for burial? A Man of Substance! In reading these verses from the Bible we can glean a number of things. First, and foremost, is the fact that he was a RICH MAN from Arimathea. Ancient traditions note that Joseph was a man of refinement, well educated and possessing many talents. He evidently had extraordinary political and business abilities that helped him to become one of the wealthiest men in the world of that time. His financial and social standing can be estimated when we realize that he owned a palatial home in the city of Jerusalem and a country estate just outside the confines of the city. These same traditions reveal that Joseph also owned another spacious estate several miles north of Jerusalem at ARIMATHEA - which is known today as Ramalleh. Ramalleh was the birthplace of Samuel the prophet and is called, in the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament, Arimathaim. This town was located on the busy caravan route between Nazareth and the Holy City, and may therefore have been a large factor in Joseph's choice of a profession. All the information we have about Joseph indicates that he was a man of unusual business abilities within the Jewish and Roman trading circles of his day. All four of the gospels state that he was "a disciple of Jesus" who was himself "waiting for the kingdom of God." John adds that Joseph was a disciple of Jesus "secretly, for fear of the Jews." It is obvious, then, that Joseph of Arimathea was well aware of the person and ministry of Christ in his homeland and, in order to protect his standing and business interests, was a "secret" disciple of Jesus. The religious hierarchy of the day, made up of the Pharisees and Sadducees, could have easily ruined Joseph if they were aware of his religious affiliation. Therefore Joseph chose, at this time, to keep his connection with Christ secret. However, there is more to Joseph's connection with Christ than meets the eye! Luke mentions that Joseph was a COUNCIL MEMBER, and Mark adds "PROMINENT" to the term council member. This would indicate that he was a member of the GREAT COUNCIL or SANHEDRIN of the Jews -- the supreme national tribunal established at the time of the Maccabees, or perhaps earlier in the time of Ezra. That Joseph was present at the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is evident by Luke's comment that Joseph "had not consented to their counsel and deed." In fact, there is evidence that Joseph of Arimathea led an impassioned defense of Christ at the trial. In the crowded assembly of the Sanhedrin, Christ was led to face Caisphas and his father-in-law Annas who, as the reigning High Priest of Judaism, represented the Sadducean families of which they were members. George F. Jowett relates what transpired: "Contrary to the common belief that Jesus was completely surrounded by enemies at that strange midnight trial - the light of recent findings prove it to have been very much otherwise. That Jesus was encompassed by a vengeful, hostile group who sought His total extinction is substantiated, but THE BRILLIANT BATTLE FOR THE DEFENCE against the savage demands for destruction has, unfortunately, never been sufficiently reported. Today, we know the trial for life was fought out on the floor of the Sanhedrin with all the stormy violence of a bestial, prejudiced fury on one side and the granite uncom-promising courage of the defence by men who knew that by the very act of their challenge they had signed and sealed their own death warrant." - "The Drama of the Lost Disciples," Covenant Publishing Co. Ltd., London, 1980, p.13. Jowett goes on to say that "on this particular occasion we see the opposition potent with prejudice, slashing at Christ with their verbal darts, subtly fanning the flame of antagonism against Him. On the other side, we see the champions of the defence striking back with rapier swiftness. The history of the Trial, as it has come down to us, shows that the defence fought back with all the resolute heroism of fearless warriors, invincible in the courage of their firm convictions." The defense of Christ by Joseph and those who supported him must have been brilliant, and a classic in the legal annals of Judea at the time. When the vote was cast, forty out of the seventy-one legislative members of the Sanhedrin voted for the dismissal of the case and the freedom of Christ. This the Sadducees never forgot. They controlled all the wealthy ruling families of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas - with the exception of the intrepid Joseph! His influence was so great that it stretched beyond the boundaries of Jewish politics into the high places of Roman administration. "He is the man who at this stage of events quietly moves into the scene. He was the power behind the throne who backed up the exhortations of the Liberal Party in the Sanhedrin, and the man who stood behind the defence of Jesus with his resourceful support on that fateful night." (Ibid., p.15). At this point Caiaphas demanded that Jesus be tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator of the Roman Province of Palestine, on the charge of treason. What happened next is recorded in the pages of the Bible. The British Tin Industry - In the Latin Vulgate of the Gospel of Mark (15:43) and Luke (23:50) we find the term "DECURIO" used instead of "COUNCIL MEMBER" to describe Joseph's office or occupation. In Jerome's (Catholic scholar, 345?-420 A.D.) translation of the Vulgate the term "NOBILIS DECURIO" is used - the NOBLE DECURIO! Not only that, but early documents of Britain and Gaul refer to Joseph in the same manner. The Welshman Maelgwyn of Llandaff calls Joseph the "NOBILIS DECURIO," as well as Rabanus Maurus (776-856 A.D.), Archbishop of Mayence and writer of the manuscript called the "Life of St. Mary Magdalene." A copy of this document is to be found in the Magdalen College Library at Oxford, England, and dates from the early part of the fifteenth century. No history is known of this manuscript; but it is neatly written on parchment and beautifully illuminated in colors and in gold. Experts note that the writing and illumination is very similar to that of the manuscript copy of the Tertius Opus of Roger Bacon in the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, which is generally considered to date from the end of the fourteenth or beginning of the fifteenth century. It is abundantly clear that this copy of the "Life of St. Mary" from Rabanus' original is written by a professional scribe. The careful "illumination," the various copying errors, and the fact that at the end of the manuscript the writer goes on to transcribe a homily (sermon) of Origen (the celebrated writer, teacher and theologian of antiquity) on Mary Magdalen, lends credence to this being a faithful copy of the original. As J. W.Taylor notes, "the original work of which this is a copy was undoubtedly written either by Rabanus himself, or its author must have made considerable use of the Homilies of Rabanus, for the general style and composition of the work (as M. Faillon has well shown) CLOSELY FOLLOWS that of its reputed author." ("The Coming of the Saints," p.81). The book in the Magdalen College Library has been recognized as a work of Rabanus in past centuries, and appears as such in the well-known list or catalog of William Cave (Scriptorum Ecclesiastiicorum Historia Literaria, vol.ii, p.38 Oxford, 1740-1743). In the 22nd chapter of this manuscript an account of the embalming and burial of Christ by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is related, along with a detailed description of the mausoleum and sepulcher that Joseph had hewn out of the rock for his own use. Then the manuscript states that Joseph was known as the NOBILIS DECURION. Gildas Badonicus ( 516-570 A.D.), one of the earliest British historians, also refers to Joseph as "NOBILIS DECURIO." What does this Latin title mean? In the Roman Empire of the time of Christ, the term "DECURIO" was commonly used to designate AN OFFICIAL -- UNDER ROMAN AUTHORITY - WHO WAS IN CHARGE OF METAL MINING. The implication is that Joseph was a PROVINCIAL ROMAN SENATOR in charge of Rome's overseas mining interests. Ivor C. Fletcher adds that "the office seems to have been a lucrative and much coveted one. Cicero [Roman writer, statesman and orator [106-43 B.C.)] remarked that it was easier to become a Senator of Rome than a DECURIO in Pompeii." ("The Incredible History of God's True Church" Triumph Publishing Co., Altadena, CA. 1984. p.54). The office of Decurio is also known to have existed UNDER THE ROMAN ADMINISTRATION IN BRITAIN! It is an historical fact that TIN was mined and exported to the European continent in large quantities from CORNWALL, ENGLAND, during the Roman period (Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, vol.23. pp.163-164). The Encyclopedia Britannica reports that "tin was IMPORTED FROM CORNWALL INTO ITALY after, if not before, the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar" (1943 edition. Vol.22, p.233). The tin mines of Cornwall were a major source of this metal; and in Roman times the metal was IN GREAT DEMAND because tin was used in the making of alloys. In his book entitled "Roman Britain," I.A.Richmond tells of the development and growth of the British tin industry and trade with the continent of Europe: "Much of the most famed of British metals in the days before the Roman occupation was TIN. The vivid accounts by Diodorus Siculus [lst century B.C. Greek historian], of overland pack-horse transport of CORNISH TIN from the Gallic [French] coast of Narbo (Narbonne) in the FIRST CENTURY B.C., and of the ISLAND EMPORIUM ON THE BRITISH COAST, from which merchants obtained it, as speak of a brisk and flourishing early trade, monopolized in Caesar's day by the Beneti of Brittany" - Page 156. Diodorus Siculus himself, in book V of his history of the world, details the British tin industry: "They that inhabit THE BRITISH PROMONTORY OF BELERIUM [old name for Cornwall], by reason of their converse with merchants, are more civilized and courteous to strangers than the rest. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE TIN, which with a great deal of care and labour they dig out of the ground, and that being rocky, the metal is mixed with force veins of earth, out of which they melt the metal and then refine it. Then they beat it into four square pieces like a die and carry it TO A BRITISH ISLE, near at hand, CALLED ICTIS. For at low tide, all bang dry between them and the island, they convey over in carts ABUNDANCE OF TIN. But there is one thing that is peculiar to these islands which lie between Britain and Europe. For at full sea they appear to be islands, but at low water for a long way they look like so many peninsulas. Hence the merchants transport the tin they buy of the inhabitants of Gaul, and for thirty days journey they carry it in packs upon horses' backs THROUGH GAUL TO THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER RHONE." And again: "This TIN METAL is transported OUT OF BRITAIN INTO GAUL the merchants carrying it on horse-back THROUGH THE HEART OF CELTICA TO MARSEILLES and the city called NARBO" - "Diodorus Siculus," Booth's translation, vol.i, p.311. The promontory of Cornwall is rich in the remains of old mining works and debris. The Phoenicians were probably the first to utilize Cornish tin; and some mines, like the Ding-Dong Mine, can be traced to a high antiquity. The oldest crude pits containing smelted tin are called "JEWS' HOUSES," the tradition being that THE TIN MINES OF CORNWALL were "WROUGHT BY THE JEWS with pickaxes of holm, box and hartshom - tools sometimes found among the rubble of such works." These date to very remote times. There is hardly a tinbearing spot in Cornwall that has not been worked over by the "OLD MEN." -- as the ancient miners of the land are always called. "....upon whatever spot the OLD MINER has worked there we are told the Phoenician has been or THE JEW has mined. The existence of the terms JEWS' HOUSES,' 'JEWS' TIN,' 'JEWS' LEAVINGS,' 'ATALLI' and 'ATALLI SARACEN,' prove the connection of these strangers with the Cornish miners" ("Romances of the West," by Hunt. London, 1872). In Polwhele's "History of Cornwall" (Falmouth, 1803) we read that "the OLDEST smelting-places are called 'JEWS' HOUSES,' the old blocks of tin occasionally found are called 'JEWS' PIECES,' and the stream works of tin that have been formerly deserted by the labourers are called 'JEWS' WORKS' or 'ATTALL SARACEN.' The JEWS appear to have called themselves, or were called by the Britons of Cornwall, 'SARACENS.'" All through the land of Cornwall the ancient presence and influence of the JEWS is marked by names and places like "BOJEWYAN" (ABODE OF THE JEWS), "TREJEWAS" (JEWS' VILLAGE) and "MARKET JEW." These, as well as the historical "JEWISH WINDOWS" in St. Neot's church and other Jewish monuments and memories, abundantly supplement the older traditions of the "JEWS' HOUSES" and "JEWS' LEAVINGS." The Encyclopedia Britannica (1943 edition) notes that "the wealth of CORNWALL ... lies not so much in the soil, as UNDERGROUND and in the surrounding sea. Hence the favourite Cornish toast, "fish, tin and copper." The tin of Cornwall has been known and worked FROM THE BRONZE AGE. By ancient charters the "TINNERS" were exempt from all jurisdiction (save in cases affecting land, life and limb) other than that of the Stannary Courts, and peculiar laws were enacted in the Stannary Parliaments. A TAX on the tin, after smelting, was paid to the earls and dukes of Cornwall." (Vol.6, p.453). What does all this have to do with Joseph of Arimathea? Just this: Along with the traditions of Jewish presence in Cornwall, THERE ARE TRADITIONS OF JOSEPH having visited the area in the course of his mining business. Fragments of poems and miners' songs, handed down through the centuries, make FREQUENT REFERENCE TO JOSEPH. One refrain runs, "Joseph was a tin man, Joseph was in the tin trade." (Cornwall, by S.Baring-Gould, p.57). In the "Guide to Penzance, Land's End and Scilly," the author states that "there is a traditional story that JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA was connected with MARAZION [a small seaport of Cornwall - 2 miles east of Penzance] when he and other Jews traded with the ancient tin-miners of Cornwall" (5th edition, Ward, Lock and Co., London). Is it really so incredible that Joseph of Arimathea had commercial interests in the British Isles -- the Cassiterides or "Tin-Islands" of the ancient world? After all SENECA, the Roman philosopher, dramatist and statesman who was appointed tutor to Nero and had great influence with the emperor, amassed great wealth as a result of his business interests and investments in Britain. Unfortunately, Seneca obtained his vast fortune by trickery and promoting usurious loans to the British. Joseph, on the other hand, was impeccably honest in all his business transactions. Virtually all the early records and traditions concerning Joseph ASSOCIATE HIM WITH THE MINING ACTIVITIES OF CORNWALL AND THE MENDIP HILLS OF SOMERSET! The Royal Link Some early historical manuscripts refer to Joseph as "Joseph-de MARMORE" as well as "Joseph of Arimathea." "Mar" is an Eastern term for LORD and "more" or "mawe" signifies GREAT. Therefore, his title would mean "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathea" -- a title that has great significance, as we shall soon see! WHY would Joseph be given such a title in the manuscripts? WHY would he be called "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathee"? BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE ROYAL LINE DESCENDED FROM KING DAVID, and this title was in keeping with his birth as A PRINCE OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID! That makes him rehated to Christ! Ivor C. Fletcher reveals why this is apparent: "The gospel record of Joseph burying the body of Jesus in his own sepulchre STRONGLY SUPPORTS THIS TRADITION. A casual reading of the account would lead one to assume that Joseph claimed the body from Pilate on the grounds of being a friend or follower of the dead man. This is far from the case, however. The chief priests, with the permission of Pilate, had made special arrangements regarding the security of the body of Jesus for the express purpose of keeping it out of the hands of His followers (Matt. 27:62-66). We are told that Joseph did not reveal at that time that he was a follower of Jesus. He was a disciple 'secretly for fear of the Jews' (John 19:38). If Joseph did not approach Pilate on the grounds of being a disciple, WHAT EXACTLY WAS HIS STATUS? The only grounds which he could have had which would be in agreement with Jewish AND Roman law and at the same time avoid giving offence to the chief priests, would be as THE NEAREST RELATIVE OF THE DEAD MAN." With that pronouncentent Fletcher continues: "Under both Jewish and Roman Law it was the responsibility of the NEAREST RELATIVES to dispose of the dead, regardless of the circumstances of death. Mary, the mother of Jesus, would clearly be in no fit emotional state for such a task, which would have been considered 'men's work' anyway. The brothers of Jesus as young men or teenagers would have lacked the maturdy to perform such a duty, LEAVING JOSEPH (ACCORDING TO TRADITION THE UNCLE OF MARY) THE NEXT IN LINE. Unless Joseph had STRONG LEGAL GROUNDS, as described, for claiming the body, the Jews would have RESISTED the idea of a man - whom they hated and had caused to be executed - given the honour of being buried in a private sepulchre, instead of the official burial place for criminals. The last time that Joseph, the legal FATHER of Jesus, is mentioned in scripture is when Jesus is twelve years old (Luke 2:44-52). From then on the Bible speaks only of His mother and brothers. The clear implication is that Joseph died when Jesus was a yang man or teenager. The people of his home town of Nazareth asked the question, 'Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? (Mark 6:3).' A son would only be spoken of in this way if the father were dead. Under Jewish law THE NEAREST MALE RELATIVE would have the clear responsibility to assist the widow and her children. As we saw earlier, this role would almost certainly be taken up by JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA" -- "The Incredible History of God's True Church" pp.53-54. E. Raymond Capt also SHOWS that it had to be a RELATIVE who claimed the body of christ. "It is quite obvious that the husband (Joseph the widower and carpenter) of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under both ROMAN AND HEBREW LAW, the NEXT MALE KIN automatically becomes the LEGAL GUARDIAN of the family. In this case it was Joseph of Arimathea.... We also cannot overlook the fact that Joseph 'went in BOLDLY unto Pilate...and (Pilate) gave the body to Jo-saph.' (Mark 15:43-45) The Sanhedrin had declared Jesus a criminal. According to both ROMAN AND JEWISH LAW, unless the body of an executed criminal was immediately claimed BY THE NEXT OF KIN, the body of the victim was cast into a common pit, where as with others, all physical record of them was completely obliterated. Certainly, the fanatical Sedducean element of the Sanhedrin who sought the total extinction of Jesus, even in death, would have allowed NOTHING SHORT OF A LEGAL CLAIM on the body of Christ" -- "The Traditions of Glastonbury," pp.19-20. We must also realize that Joseph of Arimathea was a man whom the Sadducees DARED NOT OPPOSE without running up against the Roman administration of the land. Joseph's influence was so great it stretched beyond the borders of Judea into the upper echelons of Roman authority. The Sadducees, therefore, had to defer to Joseph's claim. Joseph's act of claiming the body of Christ made him a MARKED MAN, and the hatred of the Sadducees toward him must have been surpassed only by their hatred of Jesus. Also, we must remember, it was Joseph who led the defense of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. This did not win him too many points with the authorities! Ancient traditions, held close to the heart of the Eastern Church, claim that Joseph was related to Christ and was, in fact, His GREAT-UNCLE. The Jewish TALMUD states that Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF MARY, and therefore was her uncle and a GREAT-UNCLE TO JESUS. George F. Jowett, in his book "The Drama of tke Lost Disciples," also states that "according to the Talmud, Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF THE VIRGIN MARY. He was her uncle, and therefore a great-uncle to Jesus." (p.18). The "Harlein Manuscripts" in the British Museum (38-59f, 1936) further support the claims that Joseph of Arimathea was uncle to Mary the mother of Jesus. One of the manuscripts adds that he had a daughter, ANNA, calling her "consobrina" or COUSIN OF MARY. In the "High History of the Holy Grail" it plainly states that "Joseph was his [Christ's] mother's uncle" and "this Joseph, as the Scripture witnesseth, was his [Christ's] UNCLE" (Appendix M, "The Coming of the Saints," by J.W. Taylor. p.245). This explains, the close relationship Christ had with Joseph of Arimathea. George F. Jowett remarks on this relationship: "During the life-time of Jesus there constantly appears reference to his association with a RELATIVE at Jerusalem profane history is mere positive on the matter, identifying the connection with Joseph. As we study the old records we find there is a valid reason for the close association of Jesus and his family with Joseph. It is quite obvious that the husband of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under Jewish law such a circumstance automatically appointed THE NEXT MALE KIN OF THE HUSBAND, in this case Joseph, legel guardian of the family. This fact explains many things. History and tradition report Jesus, as a boy, frequently in the company of His UNCLE, particularly at the time of the religious feasts, and declares that JESUS MADE VOYAGES TO BRITAIN with Joseph in his ships. CORNISH TRADITIONS abound with this testimony and numerous ancient landmarks bear HEBREW NAMES recording these visits." Jowett continues: "Even during the short period of the ministry of Jesus there is definitely shown to exist A CLOSE AFFINITY between then far greater than one would expect from an ordinary guardianship. It was fatherly, loyal, with a mutual affection death could not sever. We know that Joseph never forsook his nephew. He stood by Him as a bold fearless defender at the notorious , trial, and DEFIED THE SANHEDRIN by going to Pilate and boldly claiming the body when all others feared to do so. His amrs were the first to cradle the broken corpse when taken down from the cross and place it in the tomb. After death he continued to protect the mutilated body of Jesus from the conspiring minds of the Sadducess. He risked his all, wealth, power and position in those crucial years fulfilling his obligation as guardian of Jesus and of the family of Mary. He loved Jesus dearly. The disciples spoke of Joseph with an affectionate regard. They wrote he was a "just man," a "good man," "honourable," and "a disciple of Jesus." The letter dearly indicates that all through their association Joseph must have encouraged Jesus in His great work and that he was aware of the mystery of His birth and probably His destiny. ALL evidence proves that Joseph believed in the validity of all Jesus taught and ultimately suffered for" - "Drama of the Lost Disciples," pp.18-19. Truly a fascinating historical and Biblical record of the noble Joseph of Arimathea - King Hunt ------------------------------------- Church News - Editorial Page THE PROMISED LAND The December 1977 issue of the National Geographic magazine carried a most interesting article about "The Promised Land." It tells of the voyage of a group of Irish monks about 600 A.D. These early voyagers, according to tradition, came to America in a small boat made of leather. Their journey took seven years, according to the legend. It is not too surprising that people came from abroad that early period, although it seems like nothing less than a miracle that any could make the trip in a leather boat. It is well-established now that various voyagers came to American shores, both over the Atlantic and the Pacific, long before Columbus. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that no permanent settlements were made until the Lord was ready to colonize America. But what is exceptionally interesting about the Irish tradition is that the monks set out to find "The Promised Land of the Saints." Where did they learn that America was the Promised Land? What provided the stimulation to make them want to risk life and limb to find it? What gave them to understand that the Promised Land was for "the Saints"? Only the Book of Mormon has spoken of America as the Promised Land, and it does so as far back as the time of Jared and his brother who left the Tower of Babel, and were brought here by divine power. The Nephites, of course, knew that this is the Promised Land, and were so instructed before ever arriving here. But for the Irish monks of 600 A.D. to know this same fact makes one wonder where they obtained this information. And is it not more than interesting that they attached the expression "of the Saints" to their designation of the Promised Land? Tradition speaks of the Prophet Jeremiah coming to Ireland with members of the family of King Zedekiah, rescued from the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah lived at the same time as Lehi. He could have learned from Lehi about the Promised Land, and possibly could have told the Irish about it -- if he ever got to Ireland. Tradition also tells of voyages of Joseph of Arimathea to the British Isles, and, of course, he was acquainted with the teachings of the Savior. It is well-known that early voyages were made to Britain to obtain tin. Similar traditions assert that the Apostle Paul came to Britain on one of his voyages, although there is little to substantiate the thought. We do not know how widely the teaching was disseminated that there was a Promised Land and that America was so disignated. But we do know from the Book of Mormon and modern revelation that it is so, and that America will have special divine protection if she will but serve the God of the Land, who is Jesus Christ. Since the Promised Land of the Saints meant so much to the ancients, can we not learn to place equal value upon it? GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph of BURIAL: Also shown as Buried , Glastonbury, Somerset, England. BURIAL: Also shown as Buried , Glastonbury, Somerset, England.
SURNAME: Also shown as Matthat
GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph ben
BIRTH: Also shown as Born Arimethea, Judea.
DEATH: Also shown as Died Glamorgan.
SURNAME: Also shown as Mathonwy
GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph Ben
DEATH: Also shown as Died Deceased
- THE ROYAL LINE CHART PREPARED FOR THE NEW YORK STAKE GENEALOGICAL BOARD THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY DAINTS CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION - MARCH 1936 Compiled from - "The Kinship of families" by Archibald F. Bennett "Adam to New Chart" by Mrs. Eva Sells Jaeger "Europe's Royal Family Tree" by E. L. Sandberg "Pedigree of Joseph Smith, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt" by Karl Weiss "Present Time and Prophecies" by James H. Anderson Bible, Pearl of Great Price Secular History Abraham 3: "And God saw these souls that they were good and He said I will make them these my rulers." (Notice - These copies are presented to you with some misspelling and omission due to human errors. We offer it as a challenge to anyone to correct them.) ---------------- Joseph of Arimathea came to England after the crucifixion of Christ and is buried in Glastonbury. His tombstone reads, "Here lyeth St. Joseph of Aramathea. 'I came here after burying Our Lord.'" Legend has it that St Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with eleven companions, bringing with them the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper, with the intention of establishing the first Christian foundation in England. What is certain is that a great abbey was built here, replaced by another in 1303, the ruins of which are seen today. At the top of the Tor is the remains of St Michael's Chapel which was destroyed by a landslip in 1271. It is well worth the effort to climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular view. GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph of THE ROYAL LINE CHART PREPARED FOR THE NEW YORK STAKE GENEALOGICAL BOARD THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY DAINTS CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION - MARCH 1936 Compiled from - "The Kinship of families" by Archibald F. Bennett "Adam to New Chart" by Mrs. Eva Sells Jaeger "Europe's Royal Family Tree" by E. L. Sandberg "Pedigree of Joseph Smith, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt" by Karl Weiss "Present Time and Prophecies" by James H. Anderson Bible, Pearl of Great Price Secular History Abraham 3: "And God saw these souls that they were good and He said I will make them these my rulers." (Notice - These copies are presented to you with some misspelling and omission due to human errors. We offer it as a challenge to anyone to correct them.) ---------------- Joseph of Arimathea came to England after the crucifixion of Christ and is buried in Glastonbury. His tombstone reads, "Here lyeth St. Joseph of Aramathea. 'I came here after burying Our Lord.'" Legend has it that St Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with eleven companions, bringing with them the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper, with the intention of establishing the first Christian foundation in England. What is certain is that a great abbey was built here, replaced by another in 1303, the ruins of which are seen today. At the top of the Tor is the remains of St Michael's Chapel which was destroyed by a landslip in 1271. It is well worth the effort to climb to the top to enjoy the spectacular view. ----------------------- The Noble Joseph of Arimathea He was in the TIN trade! JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA IN BRITAIN by John D. Keyser With a brief mention in the four gospels, Joseph of Arimathea leaves the New Testament record never to be heard from again. However, this intrepid and fearless man of God is NOT lost from the pages of secular records. History and tradition records the incredible story of Joseph's relationship to Christ and the journeys they made together to the western confines of the Roman Empire. Joseph's business interests ... makes fascinating reading and reveals apart of God's intricate plan for the redemption of His people Israel! No story is more riveting or more exciting than that of the drama of Joseph of Arimathea and the founding of the Church of God in the tin islands of Britain! We get a fleeting glimpse in the New Testament. This great man of God strides onto center stage, commands our attention for a few short verses then, just as quickly, disappears - never to be heard from again! Yet this man, whose life is just as fascinating or as intriguing as that of Paul or Peter, performed a VITAL MISSION in the plan of God! Matthew records in chapter 27: Now when evening had come, there came a RICH MAN from Arimathea, named JOSEPH, Who himself had also become A DISCIPLE OF JESUS. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. And when JOSEPH had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed." (Verses 57-60, NKJV). With these words Joseph of Arimathea disappears from the pages of the Bible. The other gospels cover the SAME EVENTS, adding details that Matthew doesn't mention. We read in Mark: "Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of arimathea, a PROMINENT COUNCIL MEMBER who was himself WAITING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, coming in and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. And when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb" - Verses 42-46, NKJV. Luke adds little that is not coveted by Matthew and Mark: "And behold, there was a man named Joseph, A COUNCIL MEMBER, A GOOD AND JUST MAN. HE HAD NOT CONSENTED TO THEIR COUNSEL AND DEED. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the Kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before" (Luke 13:50-53, NKJV). John, the apostle of love, tells us a little more: "After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a DISCIPLE OF JESUS, BUT SECRETLY, FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And NICODEMUS, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby" - John 19:38-42, NKJV. To most readers of the Bible, therefore, Joseph of Arimathea is remembered in passing as the rich man who took the body of Christ down from the tree and placed it in his own private sepulcher. He then silently passes out of the Scriptural record leaving no trace whatsoever in the Word of God! As E. Raymond Capt notes: "Strangely, the Bible has nothing further to say about Joseph of Arimathea, following the crucifixion. Surely this man who was a disciple of Jesus; who had shown rare courage in begging the body of Jesus, would have become a close follower of Christ after the transforming experience at Pentecost. The Bible never mentions him again, yet we are not left in the dark concerning the DOMINANT ROLE Joseph played in the spreading of Christianity." ("The Traditions of Glastonbury." Artisan Sales, Thousand Oaks, CA 1983. p.21). WHO was this man who, in all probability, risked the wrath of the Jewish authorities when he requested the body of Christ for burial? A Man of Substance! In reading these verses from the Bible we can glean a number of things. First, and foremost, is the fact that he was a RICH MAN from Arimathea. Ancient traditions note that Joseph was a man of refinement, well educated and possessing many talents. He evidently had extraordinary political and business abilities that helped him to become one of the wealthiest men in the world of that time. His financial and social standing can be estimated when we realize that he owned a palatial home in the city of Jerusalem and a country estate just outside the confines of the city. These same traditions reveal that Joseph also owned another spacious estate several miles north of Jerusalem at ARIMATHEA - which is known today as Ramalleh. Ramalleh was the birthplace of Samuel the prophet and is called, in the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament, Arimathaim. This town was located on the busy caravan route between Nazareth and the Holy City, and may therefore have been a large factor in Joseph's choice of a profession. All the information we have about Joseph indicates that he was a man of unusual business abilities within the Jewish and Roman trading circles of his day. All four of the gospels state that he was "a disciple of Jesus" who was himself "waiting for the kingdom of God." John adds that Joseph was a disciple of Jesus "secretly, for fear of the Jews." It is obvious, then, that Joseph of Arimathea was well aware of the person and ministry of Christ in his homeland and, in order to protect his standing and business interests, was a "secret" disciple of Jesus. The religious hierarchy of the day, made up of the Pharisees and Sadducees, could have easily ruined Joseph if they were aware of his religious affiliation. Therefore Joseph chose, at this time, to keep his connection with Christ secret. However, there is more to Joseph's connection with Christ than meets the eye! Luke mentions that Joseph was a COUNCIL MEMBER, and Mark adds "PROMINENT" to the term council member. This would indicate that he was a member of the GREAT COUNCIL or SANHEDRIN of the Jews -- the supreme national tribunal established at the time of the Maccabees, or perhaps earlier in the time of Ezra. That Joseph was present at the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin is evident by Luke's comment that Joseph "had not consented to their counsel and deed." In fact, there is evidence that Joseph of Arimathea led an impassioned defense of Christ at the trial. In the crowded assembly of the Sanhedrin, Christ was led to face Caisphas and his father-in-law Annas who, as the reigning High Priest of Judaism, represented the Sadducean families of which they were members. George F. Jowett relates what transpired: "Contrary to the common belief that Jesus was completely surrounded by enemies at that strange midnight trial - the light of recent findings prove it to have been very much otherwise. That Jesus was encompassed by a vengeful, hostile group who sought His total extinction is substantiated, but THE BRILLIANT BATTLE FOR THE DEFENCE against the savage demands for destruction has, unfortunately, never been sufficiently reported. Today, we know the trial for life was fought out on the floor of the Sanhedrin with all the stormy violence of a bestial, prejudiced fury on one side and the granite uncom-promising courage of the defence by men who knew that by the very act of their challenge they had signed and sealed their own death warrant." - "The Drama of the Lost Disciples," Covenant Publishing Co. Ltd., London, 1980, p.13. Jowett goes on to say that "on this particular occasion we see the opposition potent with prejudice, slashing at Christ with their verbal darts, subtly fanning the flame of antagonism against Him. On the other side, we see the champions of the defence striking back with rapier swiftness. The history of the Trial, as it has come down to us, shows that the defence fought back with all the resolute heroism of fearless warriors, invincible in the courage of their firm convictions." The defense of Christ by Joseph and those who supported him must have been brilliant, and a classic in the legal annals of Judea at the time. When the vote was cast, forty out of the seventy-one legislative members of the Sanhedrin voted for the dismissal of the case and the freedom of Christ. This the Sadducees never forgot. They controlled all the wealthy ruling families of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas - with the exception of the intrepid Joseph! His influence was so great that it stretched beyond the boundaries of Jewish politics into the high places of Roman administration. "He is the man who at this stage of events quietly moves into the scene. He was the power behind the throne who backed up the exhortations of the Liberal Party in the Sanhedrin, and the man who stood behind the defence of Jesus with his resourceful support on that fateful night." (Ibid., p.15). At this point Caiaphas demanded that Jesus be tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator of the Roman Province of Palestine, on the charge of treason. What happened next is recorded in the pages of the Bible. The British Tin Industry - In the Latin Vulgate of the Gospel of Mark (15:43) and Luke (23:50) we find the term "DECURIO" used instead of "COUNCIL MEMBER" to describe Joseph's office or occupation. In Jerome's (Catholic scholar, 345?-420 A.D.) translation of the Vulgate the term "NOBILIS DECURIO" is used - the NOBLE DECURIO! Not only that, but early documents of Britain and Gaul refer to Joseph in the same manner. The Welshman Maelgwyn of Llandaff calls Joseph the "NOBILIS DECURIO," as well as Rabanus Maurus (776-856 A.D.), Archbishop of Mayence and writer of the manuscript called the "Life of St. Mary Magdalene." A copy of this document is to be found in the Magdalen College Library at Oxford, England, and dates from the early part of the fifteenth century. No history is known of this manuscript; but it is neatly written on parchment and beautifully illuminated in colors and in gold. Experts note that the writing and illumination is very similar to that of the manuscript copy of the Tertius Opus of Roger Bacon in the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, which is generally considered to date from the end of the fourteenth or beginning of the fifteenth century. It is abundantly clear that this copy of the "Life of St. Mary" from Rabanus' original is written by a professional scribe. The careful "illumination," the various copying errors, and the fact that at the end of the manuscript the writer goes on to transcribe a homily (sermon) of Origen (the celebrated writer, teacher and theologian of antiquity) on Mary Magdalen, lends credence to this being a faithful copy of the original. As J. W.Taylor notes, "the original work of which this is a copy was undoubtedly written either by Rabanus himself, or its author must have made considerable use of the Homilies of Rabanus, for the general style and composition of the work (as M. Faillon has well shown) CLOSELY FOLLOWS that of its reputed author." ("The Coming of the Saints," p.81). The book in the Magdalen College Library has been recognized as a work of Rabanus in past centuries, and appears as such in the well-known list or catalog of William Cave (Scriptorum Ecclesiastiicorum Historia Literaria, vol.ii, p.38 Oxford, 1740-1743). In the 22nd chapter of this manuscript an account of the embalming and burial of Christ by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is related, along with a detailed description of the mausoleum and sepulcher that Joseph had hewn out of the rock for his own use. Then the manuscript states that Joseph was known as the NOBILIS DECURION. Gildas Badonicus ( 516-570 A.D.), one of the earliest British historians, also refers to Joseph as "NOBILIS DECURIO." What does this Latin title mean? In the Roman Empire of the time of Christ, the term "DECURIO" was commonly used to designate AN OFFICIAL -- UNDER ROMAN AUTHORITY - WHO WAS IN CHARGE OF METAL MINING. The implication is that Joseph was a PROVINCIAL ROMAN SENATOR in charge of Rome's overseas mining interests. Ivor C. Fletcher adds that "the office seems to have been a lucrative and much coveted one. Cicero [Roman writer, statesman and orator [106-43 B.C.)] remarked that it was easier to become a Senator of Rome than a DECURIO in Pompeii." ("The Incredible History of God's True Church" Triumph Publishing Co., Altadena, CA. 1984. p.54). The office of Decurio is also known to have existed UNDER THE ROMAN ADMINISTRATION IN BRITAIN! It is an historical fact that TIN was mined and exported to the European continent in large quantities from CORNWALL, ENGLAND, during the Roman period (Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, vol.23. pp.163-164). The Encyclopedia Britannica reports that "tin was IMPORTED FROM CORNWALL INTO ITALY after, if not before, the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar" (1943 edition. Vol.22, p.233). The tin mines of Cornwall were a major source of this metal; and in Roman times the metal was IN GREAT DEMAND because tin was used in the making of alloys. In his book entitled "Roman Britain," I.A.Richmond tells of the development and growth of the British tin industry and trade with the continent of Europe: "Much of the most famed of British metals in the days before the Roman occupation was TIN. The vivid accounts by Diodorus Siculus [lst century B.C. Greek historian], of overland pack-horse transport of CORNISH TIN from the Gallic [French] coast of Narbo (Narbonne) in the FIRST CENTURY B.C., and of the ISLAND EMPORIUM ON THE BRITISH COAST, from which merchants obtained it, as speak of a brisk and flourishing early trade, monopolized in Caesar's day by the Beneti of Brittany" - Page 156. Diodorus Siculus himself, in book V of his history of the world, details the British tin industry: "They that inhabit THE BRITISH PROMONTORY OF BELERIUM [old name for Cornwall], by reason of their converse with merchants, are more civilized and courteous to strangers than the rest. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE THE TIN, which with a great deal of care and labour they dig out of the ground, and that being rocky, the metal is mixed with force veins of earth, out of which they melt the metal and then refine it. Then they beat it into four square pieces like a die and carry it TO A BRITISH ISLE, near at hand, CALLED ICTIS. For at low tide, all bang dry between them and the island, they convey over in carts ABUNDANCE OF TIN. But there is one thing that is peculiar to these islands which lie between Britain and Europe. For at full sea they appear to be islands, but at low water for a long way they look like so many peninsulas. Hence the merchants transport the tin they buy of the inhabitants of Gaul, and for thirty days journey they carry it in packs upon horses' backs THROUGH GAUL TO THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER RHONE." And again: "This TIN METAL is transported OUT OF BRITAIN INTO GAUL the merchants carrying it on horse-back THROUGH THE HEART OF CELTICA TO MARSEILLES and the city called NARBO" - "Diodorus Siculus," Booth's translation, vol.i, p.311. The promontory of Cornwall is rich in the remains of old mining works and debris. The Phoenicians were probably the first to utilize Cornish tin; and some mines, like the Ding-Dong Mine, can be traced to a high antiquity. The oldest crude pits containing smelted tin are called "JEWS' HOUSES," the tradition being that THE TIN MINES OF CORNWALL were "WROUGHT BY THE JEWS with pickaxes of holm, box and hartshom - tools sometimes found among the rubble of such works." These date to very remote times. There is hardly a tinbearing spot in Cornwall that has not been worked over by the "OLD MEN." -- as the ancient miners of the land are always called. "....upon whatever spot the OLD MINER has worked there we are told the Phoenician has been or THE JEW has mined. The existence of the terms JEWS' HOUSES,' 'JEWS' TIN,' 'JEWS' LEAVINGS,' 'ATALLI' and 'ATALLI SARACEN,' prove the connection of these strangers with the Cornish miners" ("Romances of the West," by Hunt. London, 1872). In Polwhele's "History of Cornwall" (Falmouth, 1803) we read that "the OLDEST smelting-places are called 'JEWS' HOUSES,' the old blocks of tin occasionally found are called 'JEWS' PIECES,' and the stream works of tin that have been formerly deserted by the labourers are called 'JEWS' WORKS' or 'ATTALL SARACEN.' The JEWS appear to have called themselves, or were called by the Britons of Cornwall, 'SARACENS.'" All through the land of Cornwall the ancient presence and influence of the JEWS is marked by names and places like "BOJEWYAN" (ABODE OF THE JEWS), "TREJEWAS" (JEWS' VILLAGE) and "MARKET JEW." These, as well as the historical "JEWISH WINDOWS" in St. Neot's church and other Jewish monuments and memories, abundantly supplement the older traditions of the "JEWS' HOUSES" and "JEWS' LEAVINGS." The Encyclopedia Britannica (1943 edition) notes that "the wealth of CORNWALL ... lies not so much in the soil, as UNDERGROUND and in the surrounding sea. Hence the favourite Cornish toast, "fish, tin and copper." The tin of Cornwall has been known and worked FROM THE BRONZE AGE. By ancient charters the "TINNERS" were exempt from all jurisdiction (save in cases affecting land, life and limb) other than that of the Stannary Courts, and peculiar laws were enacted in the Stannary Parliaments. A TAX on the tin, after smelting, was paid to the earls and dukes of Cornwall." (Vol.6, p.453). What does all this have to do with Joseph of Arimathea? Just this: Along with the traditions of Jewish presence in Cornwall, THERE ARE TRADITIONS OF JOSEPH having visited the area in the course of his mining business. Fragments of poems and miners' songs, handed down through the centuries, make FREQUENT REFERENCE TO JOSEPH. One refrain runs, "Joseph was a tin man, Joseph was in the tin trade." (Cornwall, by S.Baring-Gould, p.57). In the "Guide to Penzance, Land's End and Scilly," the author states that "there is a traditional story that JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA was connected with MARAZION [a small seaport of Cornwall - 2 miles east of Penzance] when he and other Jews traded with the ancient tin-miners of Cornwall" (5th edition, Ward, Lock and Co., London). Is it really so incredible that Joseph of Arimathea had commercial interests in the British Isles -- the Cassiterides or "Tin-Islands" of the ancient world? After all SENECA, the Roman philosopher, dramatist and statesman who was appointed tutor to Nero and had great influence with the emperor, amassed great wealth as a result of his business interests and investments in Britain. Unfortunately, Seneca obtained his vast fortune by trickery and promoting usurious loans to the British. Joseph, on the other hand, was impeccably honest in all his business transactions. Virtually all the early records and traditions concerning Joseph ASSOCIATE HIM WITH THE MINING ACTIVITIES OF CORNWALL AND THE MENDIP HILLS OF SOMERSET! The Royal Link Some early historical manuscripts refer to Joseph as "Joseph-de MARMORE" as well as "Joseph of Arimathea." "Mar" is an Eastern term for LORD and "more" or "mawe" signifies GREAT. Therefore, his title would mean "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathea" -- a title that has great significance, as we shall soon see! WHY would Joseph be given such a title in the manuscripts? WHY would he be called "the Great Lord Joseph of Arimathee"? BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE ROYAL LINE DESCENDED FROM KING DAVID, and this title was in keeping with his birth as A PRINCE OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID! That makes him rehated to Christ! Ivor C. Fletcher reveals why this is apparent: "The gospel record of Joseph burying the body of Jesus in his own sepulchre STRONGLY SUPPORTS THIS TRADITION. A casual reading of the account would lead one to assume that Joseph claimed the body from Pilate on the grounds of being a friend or follower of the dead man. This is far from the case, however. The chief priests, with the permission of Pilate, had made special arrangements regarding the security of the body of Jesus for the express purpose of keeping it out of the hands of His followers (Matt. 27:62-66). We are told that Joseph did not reveal at that time that he was a follower of Jesus. He was a disciple 'secretly for fear of the Jews' (John 19:38). If Joseph did not approach Pilate on the grounds of being a disciple, WHAT EXACTLY WAS HIS STATUS? The only grounds which he could have had which would be in agreement with Jewish AND Roman law and at the same time avoid giving offence to the chief priests, would be as THE NEAREST RELATIVE OF THE DEAD MAN." With that pronouncentent Fletcher continues: "Under both Jewish and Roman Law it was the responsibility of the NEAREST RELATIVES to dispose of the dead, regardless of the circumstances of death. Mary, the mother of Jesus, would clearly be in no fit emotional state for such a task, which would have been considered 'men's work' anyway. The brothers of Jesus as young men or teenagers would have lacked the maturdy to perform such a duty, LEAVING JOSEPH (ACCORDING TO TRADITION THE UNCLE OF MARY) THE NEXT IN LINE. Unless Joseph had STRONG LEGAL GROUNDS, as described, for claiming the body, the Jews would have RESISTED the idea of a man - whom they hated and had caused to be executed - given the honour of being buried in a private sepulchre, instead of the official burial place for criminals. The last time that Joseph, the legal FATHER of Jesus, is mentioned in scripture is when Jesus is twelve years old (Luke 2:44-52). From then on the Bible speaks only of His mother and brothers. The clear implication is that Joseph died when Jesus was a yang man or teenager. The people of his home town of Nazareth asked the question, 'Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary? (Mark 6:3).' A son would only be spoken of in this way if the father were dead. Under Jewish law THE NEAREST MALE RELATIVE would have the clear responsibility to assist the widow and her children. As we saw earlier, this role would almost certainly be taken up by JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA" -- "The Incredible History of God's True Church" pp.53-54. E. Raymond Capt also SHOWS that it had to be a RELATIVE who claimed the body of christ. "It is quite obvious that the husband (Joseph the widower and carpenter) of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under both ROMAN AND HEBREW LAW, the NEXT MALE KIN automatically becomes the LEGAL GUARDIAN of the family. In this case it was Joseph of Arimathea.... We also cannot overlook the fact that Joseph 'went in BOLDLY unto Pilate...and (Pilate) gave the body to Jo-saph.' (Mark 15:43-45) The Sanhedrin had declared Jesus a criminal. According to both ROMAN AND JEWISH LAW, unless the body of an executed criminal was immediately claimed BY THE NEXT OF KIN, the body of the victim was cast into a common pit, where as with others, all physical record of them was completely obliterated. Certainly, the fanatical Sedducean element of the Sanhedrin who sought the total extinction of Jesus, even in death, would have allowed NOTHING SHORT OF A LEGAL CLAIM on the body of Christ" -- "The Traditions of Glastonbury," pp.19-20. We must also realize that Joseph of Arimathea was a man whom the Sadducees DARED NOT OPPOSE without running up against the Roman administration of the land. Joseph's influence was so great it stretched beyond the borders of Judea into the upper echelons of Roman authority. The Sadducees, therefore, had to defer to Joseph's claim. Joseph's act of claiming the body of Christ made him a MARKED MAN, and the hatred of the Sadducees toward him must have been surpassed only by their hatred of Jesus. Also, we must remember, it was Joseph who led the defense of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. This did not win him too many points with the authorities! Ancient traditions, held close to the heart of the Eastern Church, claim that Joseph was related to Christ and was, in fact, His GREAT-UNCLE. The Jewish TALMUD states that Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF MARY, and therefore was her uncle and a GREAT-UNCLE TO JESUS. George F. Jowett, in his book "The Drama of tke Lost Disciples," also states that "according to the Talmud, Joseph was the YOUNGER BROTHER OF THE FATHER OF THE VIRGIN MARY. He was her uncle, and therefore a great-uncle to Jesus." (p.18). The "Harlein Manuscripts" in the British Museum (38-59f, 1936) further support the claims that Joseph of Arimathea was uncle to Mary the mother of Jesus. One of the manuscripts adds that he had a daughter, ANNA, calling her "consobrina" or COUSIN OF MARY. In the "High History of the Holy Grail" it plainly states that "Joseph was his [Christ's] mother's uncle" and "this Joseph, as the Scripture witnesseth, was his [Christ's] UNCLE" (Appendix M, "The Coming of the Saints," by J.W. Taylor. p.245). This explains, the close relationship Christ had with Joseph of Arimathea. George F. Jowett remarks on this relationship: "During the life-time of Jesus there constantly appears reference to his association with a RELATIVE at Jerusalem profane history is mere positive on the matter, identifying the connection with Joseph. As we study the old records we find there is a valid reason for the close association of Jesus and his family with Joseph. It is quite obvious that the husband of Mary died while Jesus was young. Under Jewish law such a circumstance automatically appointed THE NEXT MALE KIN OF THE HUSBAND, in this case Joseph, legel guardian of the family. This fact explains many things. History and tradition report Jesus, as a boy, frequently in the company of His UNCLE, particularly at the time of the religious feasts, and declares that JESUS MADE VOYAGES TO BRITAIN with Joseph in his ships. CORNISH TRADITIONS abound with this testimony and numerous ancient landmarks bear HEBREW NAMES recording these visits." Jowett continues: "Even during the short period of the ministry of Jesus there is definitely shown to exist A CLOSE AFFINITY between then far greater than one would expect from an ordinary guardianship. It was fatherly, loyal, with a mutual affection death could not sever. We know that Joseph never forsook his nephew. He stood by Him as a bold fearless defender at the notorious , trial, and DEFIED THE SANHEDRIN by going to Pilate and boldly claiming the body when all others feared to do so. His amrs were the first to cradle the broken corpse when taken down from the cross and place it in the tomb. After death he continued to protect the mutilated body of Jesus from the conspiring minds of the Sadducess. He risked his all, wealth, power and position in those crucial years fulfilling his obligation as guardian of Jesus and of the family of Mary. He loved Jesus dearly. The disciples spoke of Joseph with an affectionate regard. They wrote he was a "just man," a "good man," "honourable," and "a disciple of Jesus." The letter dearly indicates that all through their association Joseph must have encouraged Jesus in His great work and that he was aware of the mystery of His birth and probably His destiny. ALL evidence proves that Joseph believed in the validity of all Jesus taught and ultimately suffered for" - "Drama of the Lost Disciples," pp.18-19. Truly a fascinating historical and Biblical record of the noble Joseph of Arimathea - King Hunt ------------------------------------- Church News - Editorial Page THE PROMISED LAND The December 1977 issue of the National Geographic magazine carried a most interesting article about "The Promised Land." It tells of the voyage of a group of Irish monks about 600 A.D. These early voyagers, according to tradition, came to America in a small boat made of leather. Their journey took seven years, according to the legend. It is not too surprising that people came from abroad that early period, although it seems like nothing less than a miracle that any could make the trip in a leather boat. It is well-established now that various voyagers came to American shores, both over the Atlantic and the Pacific, long before Columbus. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that no permanent settlements were made until the Lord was ready to colonize America. But what is exceptionally interesting about the Irish tradition is that the monks set out to find "The Promised Land of the Saints." Where did they learn that America was the Promised Land? What provided the stimulation to make them want to risk life and limb to find it? What gave them to understand that the Promised Land was for "the Saints"? Only the Book of Mormon has spoken of America as the Promised Land, and it does so as far back as the time of Jared and his brother who left the Tower of Babel, and were brought here by divine power. The Nephites, of course, knew that this is the Promised Land, and were so instructed before ever arriving here. But for the Irish monks of 600 A.D. to know this same fact makes one wonder where they obtained this information. And is it not more than interesting that they attached the expression "of the Saints" to their designation of the Promised Land? Tradition speaks of the Prophet Jeremiah coming to Ireland with members of the family of King Zedekiah, rescued from the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah lived at the same time as Lehi. He could have learned from Lehi about the Promised Land, and possibly could have told the Irish about it -- if he ever got to Ireland. Tradition also tells of voyages of Joseph of Arimathea to the British Isles, and, of course, he was acquainted with the teachings of the Savior. It is well-known that early voyages were made to Britain to obtain tin. Similar traditions assert that the Apostle Paul came to Britain on one of his voyages, although there is little to substantiate the thought. We do not know how widely the teaching was disseminated that there was a Promised Land and that America was so disignated. But we do know from the Book of Mormon and modern revelation that it is so, and that America will have special divine protection if she will but serve the God of the Land, who is Jesus Christ. Since the Promised Land of the Saints meant so much to the ancients, can we not learn to place equal value upon it? GIVEN NAMES: Also shown as Joseph of BURIAL: Also shown as Buried , Glastonbury, Somerset, England. BURIAL: Also shown as Buried , Glastonbury, Somerset, England.
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