Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 27:57
When the even was come - That is, some time after three o’clock in the afternoon. Before this, the Jews had besought Pilate that the legs of those who were crucified might be broken and the bodies be taken down, that they might not remain on the cross during the Sabbath. The soldiers, coming to Jesus for that purpose, found that he was already dead, contrary to their expectation. A soldier, however, thrust a spear into his side, and there was furnished the fullest proof that he had expired. See... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:57-66
The treatment of the body of Christ. The body of Christ is mystically taken to represent his Church (see 1 Corinthians 10:17 ; Ephesians 4:16 ; Colossians 1:18 ). In this figure the fact is strongly set forth, viz. that Christ takes home to himself whatever treatment his Church may receive (see Proverbs 19:1-29 :31; Matthew 25:35-46 ; Acts 9:1 , Acts 9:4 , Acts 9:5 ). This also applies to individual members. And agreeably to this analogy, what was done to the literal body of... read more