Matthew 27:62

The next day. [The Guard at the Tomb, Matt. 27:62–66. See Betrayal, Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus; Passion Week.] This incident is recorded only by Matthew, though it occurs also in the noncanonical Gospel of Peter (secs. 8–11; see p. 128). “Next day” was the weekly Sabbath day (see Luke 23:54, 56).

Critics have made elaborate attempts to discredit the incident Matthew here relates. The critics have branded as incredible that the Jewish authorities knew that Jesus had predicted His resurrection, that they would go to Pilate on the Sabbath day, that Pilate would grant their request, that the Roman soldiers would conspire to make a false report, even for a bribe, and that they were terrified and fell to the ground when the angel appeared to roll away the stone. To be sure, so far as the inspired record itself goes, Matthew is our sole source. But it may be pointed out that both Pilate and the Jewish authorities are here found acting entirely in character, and this fact constitutes strong internal evidence of the genuineness of the story. The Gospel record makes evident that there were no lengths to which the priests and rulers would not go. Furthermore, their deep apprehension throughout the preceding two days, that they might not succeed in their sinister plot to destroy Jesus (see Additional Notes on Matt. 26, Note 2), together with their suspicion that He was indeed the Messiah, would lead them to do the very thing Matthew here ascribes to them. Pilate had feebly acquiesced in their insistent demands for the blood of Jesus (see John 19:12), and they had every reason to believe that he would comply with this request also. It was the Passover season, and in view of past difficulties he had experienced with the Jews he would no doubt go to the most unreasonable lengths to appease them (see on Matt. 27:24).

The preparation. See on Mark 15:42.

Chief priests. See on ch. 26:59.

Pharisees. See pp. 51, 52.