History seems to have placed Joseph of Arimathea too far back in the shadow of Jesus. It is my belief that it was he who influenced Jesus's life the most. This is a story of that man, whose relationship, mentoring, and guiding Jesus, led to his greatness. Joseph as Jesus's uncle very likely took over as head of the family upon the death of Jesus's father. Joseph had all the credentials and means, a wealthy merchant with great influence in Rome and in his own community. A member of the assembly of high judges, which made the laws and meted out punishment, appointed Minister of Mines to Rome, a man who must have associated with the likes of Caesar, Pontius Pilate, and Herod. He placed his career, his life and that of his family in jeopardy by his close association with Jesus. He and Jesus had much to lose for the ideas and beliefs they projected. I believe that their message was much more than spiritual belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing God. I believe the message had much to do with liberty and freedom, which was suppressed under both Rome and the religious establishment of the time, all this, is not unlike the issues we are witnessing in Asia today. Joseph of Arimathea By Brian Mellor Trafford Publishing Copyright © 2012 Brian Mellor All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4669-5395-6 Contents Chapter 1 Joseph of Arimathea Life and family.....................................................................................1Chapter 2 The Message Joseph recieves a message that the father of Jesus is dying.................................................8Chapter 3 Preparing for the Homecoming Joseph takes Mary mother of Jesus and her family to live at his house......................23Chapter 4 The Meeting The Assembly of Judges meet and discuss the education of Jesus..............................................29Chapter 5 The Marseilles The teen years in France and introduction to the tin trade...............................................37Chapter 6 The Wedding Josephes son marries........................................................................................46Chapter 7 Minister of Mines Joseph is appointed Minister of Mines by Rome.........................................................53Chapter 8 Apprehensions Life in Alexandria and his relationship with Pontius Pilate...............................................59Chapter 9 Religious Fearmongers Discussion of religious terrorists................................................................68Chapter 10 Joshua Jesus' friend who was sent to the Pyrenees mountains............................................................87Chapter 11 Jesus Becomes a Rabbi Jesus has a disagreement with the Assembly of Judges.............................................96Chapter 12 The Sanhedrin Meeting Jesus' planned birth is revield..................................................................102Chapter 13 Conflict of Beliefs The attempted murder of Jesus by Priests...........................................................109Chapter 14 Jesus in the Wilderness Jesus discovers the Arc of Covenant............................................................129Chapter 15 The Final Plans Jesus and John the Baptist make plans..................................................................142Chapter 16 Herod Herod orders Pilate to stop Jesus................................................................................148Chapter 17 The Mission Jesus' life is once again placed in danger.................................................................152Chapter 18 Wrestling with the Gods The God Mithra.................................................................................159Chapter 19 Sanhedrin Treasure The Assembly discover that Jesus is married.........................................................171Chapter 20 Second Meeting with Jesus Jesus' teachings infuriate his benifactors...................................................184Chapter 21 Pontius Pilate Joseph and Pilate discuss the problems that Jesus has caused............................................194Chapter 22 Meeting with Herod Joseph and Herod meet over the problems Jesus is causing............................................205Chapter 23 Judas Judas tells Joseph of Jesus' plan to be crucified................................................................212Chapter 24 The Last Supper Jesus begins his foretold capture and beatings.........................................................219Chapter 25 The Trial and Acquittal Pilate interveens..............................................................................232Chapter 26 Roman Soldiers Herod wants Pilate to turn Jesus over to him............................................................238Chapter 27 Meeting with Herod Herod taunts Jesus..................................................................................242Chapter 28 The Trial Pilate is forced to convict Jesus and the plan to save him starts to take