First, this is very deep. I see your points, (1)we all have a responsiblty for Jesus' death (2)Pilate is as much to blame as the Jews. Some times after being shown something like this I wonder just how spiritual I am because I take things so much at face value, and very seldom on my own get past that:)
Any way a few points I want to make now. I am going to read through this several more times, not to just pick it apart:) but because it is very deep. But these are my first thoughts. When you say " here is the solution to the contradiction", it makes it sound as if there is a contradiction to solve. There is NO contradiction. Acts 13:27 does not say "the rulers of Jerusalem" It says "For they that dwell at Jersualem, and thier rulers." In context he was speaking of Jews so it is not even an assumption, that he is still speaking of Jews. It's very clear that is who is referring too.
When you say Joseph was acting on behest of the Jews so taking away the love of his act, that is wrong. When you read all the accounts in the gospels, especially in Luke 23:51, it clearly shows Joseph did it because of his love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was probably in a certain amount of danger from the Sanhedrin becasue of it. But because he was a Sanhedrin he could go to Pilate and beg for the body so he used his postion to do that.
The whole focus of Pauls teachings in Acts anyway is on the fulfillment of the resurecction. Not the burial.
On the whole you make some very good points, but I don't think we should label anything in God's Word as a contradiction that needs US to figure out the solution for. That is opening the door for doubt to set in or for people who are not believers to use against someone trying to win them to Christ.
Becky
Now, as to your response:
"but I don't think we should label anything in God's Word as a contradiction that needs US to figure out the solution for."
In one sense I agree. Indeed, I'm sorry if a sloppily referred to this as just 'a contradiction.' Most of the time I tried to get across the notion it is only a 'seeming contradiction.' In other words, it only seems to be a contradiction but isn't.
With respect to the need for US to figure it out, well, I'm afraid here I have to disagree. Occasionally I will find something in reading scripture which seems to be a contradiction and I do have to stop and figure it out, I have to find 'the solution.' First, because, well, I'm human and I like to find answers. And second so that when someone asks me about it,(as angelo did) I have an answer.
"When you read all the accounts in the gospels, especially in Luke 23:51, it clearly shows Joseph did it because of his love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Yes, that's sort of my point. If we take Paul's account only, it makes it sound like 'the people who had Jesus killed, the Jews, were the one's who buried Jesus.' That would make Joseph, one of the Jews, one of the ones who had Jesus killed. Thus denying the reality he loved Jesus.
Again, thanks for your thoughtful post.