The Hidden Disciple
A follower of Christ acting in secret.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The Hidden Disciple is a figure who follows Jesus in secret due to fear, as exemplified by Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). This motif of hiddenness recurs across scripture, where individuals or truths are concealed from others, whether by divine design, human fear, or moral failing.
Lore & Background
Joseph of Arimathaea is the clearest example of a hidden disciple: he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, and he besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus (John 19:38). His hiddenness contrasts with the open discipleship of others, yet he acts boldly at a critical moment. The concept of hiddenness also appears in the Psalms, where the righteous are called God's hidden ones (Psalms 83:3), and in Proverbs, where when the wicked rise, a man is hidden (Proverbs 28:12). Hiddenness can be a protective state, as seen in Obadiah, who feared the LORD greatly while serving in Ahab's court (1 Kings 18:3). Similarly, the hidden man of the heart—a meek and quiet spirit—is of great price in God's sight (1 Peter 3:4). Yet hiddenness also applies to divine wisdom: God speaks the hidden wisdom which He ordained before the world (1 Corinthians 2:7), and hidden things of darkness will be brought to light by the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:5). The hidden disciple motif thus spans from secret fear to secret virtue, from concealed identity to revealed truth. Even the hidden manna is promised to the overcomer (Revelation 2:17), linking hiddenness with reward. The wicked also have hidden things, as in Esau's hidden things being sought up (Obadiah 1:6), and the oppressor's years are hidden (Job 15:20).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray the hidden disciple as a figure whose discipleship is not publicly known, often due to fear or social pressure. Joseph of Arimathaea is the primary example: he was a disciple secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). This hiddenness is not condemned but is part of the narrative. Other passages show hiddenness as a characteristic of the righteous: God's hidden ones (Psalms 83:3) and the hidden man of the heart (1 Peter 3:4). Hiddenness can also be a temporary state, as when a man is hidden when the wicked rise (Proverbs 28:12). However, hiddenness is not always positive. Hidden things of dishonesty are renounced by believers (2 Corinthians 4:2), and hidden sins like touching an unclean thing bring guilt (Leviticus 5:2). The Lord will bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1 Corinthians 4:5). Thus, the hidden disciple motif carries tension: secret faith may be genuine, but ultimate revelation is certain. The hidden wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:7) and hidden manna (Revelation 2:17) suggest that what is hidden now will be revealed or rewarded. The passages do not prescribe a single attitude toward hidden discipleship but present it as a complex reality.
Did You Know?
- Joseph of Arimathaea was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38).
- Obadiah feared the LORD greatly while serving as governor of Ahab's house (1 Kings 18:3).
- The hidden man of the heart, a meek and quiet spirit, is of great price in God's sight (1 Peter 3:4).
- God gives hidden manna to the overcomer (Revelation 2:17).