Matthew 28:14

14 And if this be heard of the justice [And if this be heard of the president, or justice], we shall counsel him, and make you secure.

Matthew 28:14 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 28:14

And if this come to the governor's ears
Not the governor of the watch, but Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea: if this should be told him, and should be heard by him; or this matter should come before him, and be under his examination, and there should be any danger of punishment; for to sleep on the watch was severely punished by the Romans:

we will, persuade him;
that this is the true state of the case, and intercede with him, and make use of all our interest, not to punish for it: or will persuade him, that though this is a false account, yet it will be much better that it should go in this way, for his own peace, and the peace of the nation, and the security of the Roman government; since, should it spread among the people, that this person was really raised from the dead, they would, one and all, believe he was the true Messiah, and would set him up as a king, and seize upon the government in favour of him:

and will secure you;
indemnify you, bear you harmless, keep you from punishment; so that you need not be under any care, or concern on this account.

Matthew 28:14 In-Context

12 And when they were gathered together with the elder men, and had taken their counsel, they gave to the knights much money,

13 and said, Say ye, that his disciples came by night, and have stolen him, while ye slept. [saying, Say ye, for his disciples came by night, and have stolen him, us sleeping.]

14 And if this be heard of the justice [And if this be heard of the president, or justice], we shall counsel him, and make you secure.

15 And when the money was taken, they did, as they were taught. And this word is published among the Jews, till into this day.

16 And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, into an hill, where Jesus had ordained to them [where Jesus had ordained them].