Knowing The Word in Matthew 28:11-15

The Report of the Guard

11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city [of darkness] and told the chief priests all that had taken place. [They witnessed to the empty tomb and earthquake.] 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers [probably a considerable bribe] 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ [Falling asleep on duty would get them into trouble with Pilate, hence the large bribe.] 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. [The tables have been turned. The ones who feared the disciples would make up a story about the resurrection of Jesus are now making up their own story to refute his resurrection.]