Jesus' grave is primarily known as the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, as it was a new tomb belonging to Joseph, a wealthy follower of Jesus. In some ancient texts, such as the apocryphal Gospel of Peter, it is also referred to as "Joseph's garden."
The Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea
According to the canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), after Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council and a secret disciple of Jesus, requested Jesus' body from Pontius Pilate. Joseph then:
- Wrapped the body in a clean linen cloth.
- Placed it in his own new tomb, which was cut out of rock.
- Rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb.
This tomb was located in a garden nearby the place of crucifixion. The fact that it was a "new" tomb, never used before, is often highlighted in biblical accounts, signifying its unique purpose for Jesus' burial.
"Joseph's Garden" in Apocryphal Texts
Beyond the canonical Gospels, other ancient Christian writings offer additional perspectives. Within the apocryphal text known as the Gospel of Peter, the tomb of Jesus is specifically called "Joseph's garden." This designation emphasizes both the ownership by Joseph of Arimathea and the garden setting, consistent with descriptions found in the New Testament. Apocryphal texts are early Christian writings that were not included in the biblical canon, though they sometimes provide supplementary details or different narratives.
Known Descriptions and Associated Sites
While the exact location of Jesus' tomb remains a subject of historical and archaeological discussion, various names and descriptions are associated with it:
| Name/Description | Source/Significance |
|---|---|
| Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea | Canonical Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John); highlights ownership and newness. |
| New Tomb | Emphasizes it had never been used before, a detail from the canonical Gospels. |
| Tomb in a Garden | Describes its setting, as mentioned in the Gospel of John and implied elsewhere. |
| Joseph's Garden | Apocryphal Gospel of Peter; explicitly links Joseph to the garden setting. |
Today, two primary sites in Jerusalem are traditionally considered as potential locations for Jesus' burial:
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: This site has been revered as the location of both Jesus' crucifixion (Golgotha) and his burial since the 4th century. It is the most widely accepted traditional site for many Christian denominations.
- The Garden Tomb: Located outside the Damascus Gate, this site offers a tranquil, garden-like setting and a rock-cut tomb that some Protestants believe better fits the biblical description of a tomb in a garden outside the city walls.
Both sites provide a profound sense of the historical and spiritual significance of Jesus' grave, regardless of which particular names are used to describe it.
