Bible Commentary

Matthew 27:65

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:65

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Ye have a watch ( ἐ ìχετε κουστωδι ìαν, take a guard). Pilate answers briefly and haughtily, "Well, I give permission; do as you like; take a body of soldiers as a guard, and go your way." This last verb is imperative, so the former is most probably imperative also.

If taken as indicative, the question arises—What guard had they? This is difficult to answer, unless, as Alford supposes, it may refer to some detachment placed at their disposal during the feast. But of this we know nothing historically.

Make it as sure ( ἀσφαλι ìσασθε, secure it for yourselves) as ye can; literally, as ye know how. Take any precaution you think fit to employ.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66EXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Burial of ChristTHE BURIAL OF CHRIST. We have here an account of Christ's burial, and the manner and circumstances of it, concerning which observe, 1. The kindness and good will of his friends that laid him in the grave. 2. The malice…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:57-66The Lord's grave. I. THE BURIAL. 1. Joseph of Arimathaea. He was a rich man and a counsellor. Like Nicodemus, he believed in Christ; but, like Nicodemus, he had not had the courage to avow his convictions. His rank, per…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:57-66The treatment of the body of Christ. The body of Christ is mystically taken to represent his Church (see 1 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 1:18). In this figure the fact is strongly set forth, viz. that Ch…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 27:62-66On the Jewish sabbath, the chief priests and Pharisees, when they should have been at their devotions, were dealing with Pilate about securing the sepulchre. This was permitted that there might be certain proof of our L…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:62-66The great sabbath. The sepulchre sealed and watched. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.)Joseph S. Exell and contributors