Matthew 28:11-15

Expanded Bible

The Soldiers Report to the Leaders

¹¹ While the women ·went to tell Jesus’ followers [were on their way], some of the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb went into the city to tell the ·leading [^Tchief] priests everything that had happened. ¹² Then the priests met with the elders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers a ·large amount of money [substantial bribe] ¹³ and said to them, “Tell the people that Jesus’ ·followers [disciples] came during the night and stole ·the body [him away] while you were asleep. ¹⁴ If the governor hears about this, we will satisfy him and save you from trouble.” ¹⁵ So the soldiers kept the money and did as they were ·told [instructed]. And that story is still spread among the ·people [^LJews] even ·today [to this day].