This verse is the last verse of Matthew 27, and it describes the actions taken by the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees to ensure that Jesus's tomb was not disturbed. Let's break it down:
"So they went with the guard": "They" refers to the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees who had requested a guard from Pilate. This means they physically accompanied the Roman guard to the tomb.
"and made the tomb secure": This implies that they took extra precautions to make sure the tomb was impenetrable. This could include things like:
Checking that the stone was properly in place.
Possibly adding additional restraints or barriers.
Instructing the guards on their duties.
"sealing the stone": This is a crucial detail. "Sealing" meant affixing an official seal to the stone that covered the tomb's entrance. This seal was likely a strip of clay or wax impressed with the official insignia of either the Roman authority (Pilate) or the Jewish authorities (the Sanhedrin). Breaking this seal would carry significant consequences, acting as a deterrent. The purpose was to prevent anyone from tampering with the tomb without facing serious repercussions.
In essence, this verse indicates that the Jewish leaders were extremely concerned that Jesus's disciples might try to steal his body and falsely claim he had resurrected, as Jesus prophesied. They took significant steps, including getting Roman guards and affixing an official seal, to prevent any such attempt.
It emphasizes:
The disbelief and fear of the Jewish leaders concerning Jesus's claims of resurrection.
The extraordinary measures taken to prevent what they feared.
The supernatural power of the resurrection since it happened despite these precautions.
This verse is the last verse of Matthew 27, and it describes the actions taken by the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees to ensure that Jesus's tomb was not disturbed. Let's break it down:
"So they went with the guard": "They" refers to the Jewish chief priests and Pharisees who had requested a guard from Pilate. This means they physically accompanied the Roman guard to the tomb.
"and made the tomb secure": This implies that they took extra precautions to make sure the tomb was impenetrable. This could include things like:
Checking that the stone was properly in place.
Possibly adding additional restraints or barriers.
Instructing the guards on their duties.
"sealing the stone": This is a crucial detail. "Sealing" meant affixing an official seal to the stone that covered the tomb's entrance. This seal was likely a strip of clay or wax impressed with the official insignia of either the Roman authority (Pilate) or the Jewish authorities (the Sanhedrin). Breaking this seal would carry significant consequences, acting as a deterrent. The purpose was to prevent anyone from tampering with the tomb without facing serious repercussions.
In essence, this verse indicates that the Jewish leaders were extremely concerned that Jesus's disciples might try to steal his body and falsely claim he had resurrected, as Jesus prophesied. They took significant steps, including getting Roman guards and affixing an official seal, to prevent any such attempt.
It emphasizes:
The disbelief and fear of the Jewish leaders concerning Jesus's claims of resurrection.
The extraordinary measures taken to prevent what they feared.
The supernatural power of the resurrection since it happened despite these precautions.