Matthew 28:12-13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 28:11-15

For the further proof of the resurrection of Christ, we have here the confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard; and there are two things which strengthen this testimony?that they were eye-witnesses, and did themselves see the glory of the resurrection, which none else did?and that they were enemies, set there to oppose and obstruct his resurrection. Now observe here, I. How this testimony was given in to the chief priests (Matt. 28:11); when the women were going to bring that... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 28:11-15

28:11-15 While they were on their way, certain of the guard came to the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. When they had met with the ciders, they formed a plan. They gave a considerable amount of money to the soldiers. "Say," they said, "'His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.' And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will use our influence, and we will see to it that you have nothing to worry about." They took the money and followed their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 28:12

And when they were assembled with the elders ,.... Upon this the grand sanhedrim was convened together, which consisted of the chief priests, Scribes, and elders; and had taken counsel among themselves what steps to take to stifle this matter, that it might not spread and be believed by the people; they agreed upon this, as the best expedient, to bribe the soldiers to give a false account of it, as they did: they gave large money unto the soldiers , or "sufficient money"; they gave... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 28:13

Saying, say ye his disciples came by night ,.... They charged them to tell every one that should ask them about this affair; and even publish it every where, that the disciples of Christ came in the dead of the night, and stole him away while we slept : which was a very unlikely thing, and a foolish scheme this, for such a body of men to form. There is no show of probability in it, that the disciples, who were intimidated by the taking and putting Christ to death, and were now shut up in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:12

With the elders - That is, the senators of the great Sanhedrin or Jewish council of state, elsewhere called the elders of the people; they could now meet, as the Sabbath was over. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:13

His disciples came by night - This was as absurd as it was false. On one hand, the terror of the disciples, the smallness of their number (only eleven); and their almost total want of faith; on the other, the great danger of such a bold enterprise, the number of armed men who guarded the tomb, the authority of Pilate and of the Sanhedrin, must render such an imposture as this utterly devoid of credit. Stole him away while we slept - Here is a whole heap of absurdities. 1st. Is it likely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 28:11-15

The Roman soldiers bribed by the Jewish rulers to give a false account of the Resurrection. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 28:11-15

The watch and the chief priests. I. THE REPORT OF THE WATCHERS . 1 . Their flight. They were all aghast with terror; they knew not well what had happened. The earthquake had terrified them at first; then there came a vision dazzling like the lightning. From that moment they were as dead men; they knew nothing more. When they recovered from that deathlike swoon the angel had vanished; all was still and quiet. Perhaps they examined the sepulchre. The stone was rolled away; the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 28:11-17

The commotion. The earthquake which accompanied the resurrection of Christ had its counterpart in the moral commotion which this event occasioned. Thus— I. THE WATCH WERE MOVED . 1 . They were alarmed for their lives. 2 . They acted with the wisdom of the world. II. THE ELDERS WERE MOVED . 1 . The hypocrite is alarmed for his credit. 2 . But he vainly seeks to preserve it. (a) The disciples were not likely to attempt the stealing of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 28:12

When they ( i.e. the chief priests) were assembled with the elders. On hearing the report of the soldiers, the Sanhedrists held a hurried and informal meeting, to consult about this alarming matter. It would be fatal to their policy to let the real truth get wind. Such testimony from unprejudiced heathens would infallibly convince the people of the validity of Christ's claims, and produce the very effect which their unusual precautions had been intended to obviate. One course alone... read more

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