Matthew 28:12

12 When the chief priests met with the elders, they came up with a plan. They gave the soldiers a large amount of money.

Matthew 28:12 Meaning and 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 large sums of money, as were enough to satisfy the soldiers; they gave them whatever they would have; for though these men were very covetous, yet upon this occasion gave liberally; and that perhaps which were for the sacrifices, or for the repair of the temple, or for the supply of the poor.

Matthew 28:12 In-Context

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me."

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city. They reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

12 When the chief priests met with the elders, they came up with a plan. They gave the soldiers a large amount of money.

13 They told the soldiers, "We want you to say, 'His disciples came during the night. They stole his body while we were sleeping.'

14 If the governor hears this report, we will pay him off. That will keep you out of trouble."