¹¹ While the women were going, some of the soldiers who had guarded the grave came into the city. They told the chief priests all that had happened.

¹² The chief priests had a meeting with the leaders of the people and talked the matter over. They gave much money to the soldiers.

¹³ They said, `Tell the people, "His disciples came by night and took away the body while we were sleeping."

¹⁴ If the ruler hears about this, then we will talk to him so that he will not punish you.'

¹⁵ The soldiers took the money. They did as they were told to do. And even to this day, many of the Jewish leaders say this is what happened to Jesus.