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.
