Matthew 28:14

"saying, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 28:14, the Roman guards spread a fabricated story to explain Jesus' disappearance: they claimed that his disciples had stolen his body during the night while the soldiers were asleep. This narrative is set in a first-century Roman context where maintaining control and preventing rumors of resurrection was crucial. The use of "we slept" (ἐναποκλίνομεν, enapoklínomēn) emphasizes the guards' complicity or lack of vigilance, adding an ironic twist to their attempt at deception.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 14. The governor's ears. To Pilate. If it is reported to him that Jesus was stolen while you slept. We will persuade him. We will convince, or satisfy him, so that he shall not punish you. This they might promise with safety. For, (1.) they knew from the character of Pilate that he could be easily bribed. (2.) Pilate, after the feast of the passover, was accustomed to return to Caesarea. He had not been inclined at all to interfere in anything concerning the Saviour, until it was urged upon him by the Jews. He would not be disposed of himself to take any farther trouble about the matter.

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