Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 27:66
Made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch - Or rather, made the tomb secure by the guard, and by sealing the stone. I follow Kypke, in construing μετα της κουστωδιας , with ησφαλισαντο . The guard was to take care that the disciples should not steal him away; and the seal, which was probably the seal of the governor, was to prevent the guards from being corrupted so as to permit the theft. So every thing was done which human policy and prudence could, to prevent a... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 27:65
Ye have a watch - The Jews had a corps of Roman troops, consisting of several companies, as a guard for the temple, Acts 4:1 . These companies mounted guard by turns, see Luke 22:4 . Some of these companies, which were not then on duty, Pilate gave them leave to employ to watch the tomb. read more