The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie

11 As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests[a] had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears,[b] we will deal with[c] him and keep you out of trouble.”(A) 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 28:12 Lit After they
  2. Matthew 28:14 Lit this is heard by the governor
  3. Matthew 28:14 Lit will persuade

Guards’ report

11 Now as the women were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 They met with the elders and decided to give a large sum of money to the soldiers. 13 They told them, “Say that Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole his body while you were sleeping. 14 And if the governor hears about this, we will take care of it with him so you will have nothing to worry about.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were told. And this report has spread throughout all Judea to this very day.

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