Matthew 27:62

The Tomb Is Sealed and Guarded

62 Now [on] the next day, which is after the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate,

Matthew 27:62 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:62

Now the next day that followed the day of preparation
Which was the sabbath day; for the day of preparation was the day before the sabbath, ( Mark 15:42 ) , in which they prepared every thing necessary for the sabbath, and therefore was so called: and as this introduces the account of the chief priests and Pharisees, making application to Pilate, to secure the sepulchre; and which by his leave they did, by sealing the stone, and setting a guard about the sepulchre; it shows what consciences these men had, who accused the disciples of Christ of a violation of the sabbath, for plucking a few ears of corn on that day; and sought to kill Jesus, because he healed a man on it, and bid him take up his bed and walk; and yet they themselves could leave their devotions, and first meet together and agree upon an address to Pilate, and then go in a body to his palace; and having obtained their request, march to Joseph's garden, and make the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch, which were servile works, and, according to their laws and traditions, not to be done on the sabbath day; and yet they scrupled them not, notwithstanding their characters and profession, which follow:

the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate;
these were the inveterate and implacable enemies of Christ; they took counsel how to put him to death; they employed Judas to betray him, and sent a band of soldiers with him to take him; they suborned false witnesses against him; they moved the people to prefer Barabbas to him; they got him condemned to death, and followed him to the cross, where they mocked him; and still, like the troubled sea, they were restless and uneasy; for though he was dead, they feared his resurrection; and though they could not prevent the thing, they consult to hinder the credit of it.

Matthew 27:62 In-Context

60 and placed it in his [own] new tomb that he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a large stone to the entrance of the tomb [and] went away.

61 Now Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 Now [on] the next day, which is after the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate,

63 saying, "Sir, we remember that [while] that deceiver was still alive he said, 'After three days I will rise.'

64 Therefore give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples come [and] steal him and tell the people, 'He has been raised from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first."