This verse is part of the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down what it means in context:
The Context: After Jesus' resurrection, the chief priests and elders bribed the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb to say that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole his body while they were sleeping (Matthew 28:11-13).
"If this comes to the governor's ears...": This acknowledges the potential problem for the soldiers. If the governor (Pontius Pilate) hears that they fell asleep on duty while guarding a prisoner's tomb, they could face serious punishment, possibly even death. Roman soldiers were known for their strict discipline, and dereliction of duty was a severe offense.
"...we will persuade him and make you free of worry.": This is the key part of the verse. The chief priests and elders are promising to use their influence and likely more bribes to convince Pilate not to punish the soldiers. They're assuring the soldiers that if Pilate hears the true story (that the body was stolen while they slept), they will intervene on their behalf to prevent any negative consequences. They are offering a guarantee of protection from the legal ramifications of their failure.
In essence, the verse means: The chief priests and elders are reassuring the Roman guards that if their story of falling asleep and the body being stolen reaches the governor's attention, they will use their influence (through persuasion and likely bribery) to protect the soldiers from punishment and alleviate their concerns.
Significance:
Highlights the corruption: This verse underscores the corruption and desperation of the Jewish leaders to suppress the truth of the resurrection. They were willing to lie, bribe, and manipulate the system to maintain their power and control.
Illustrates the Roman legal system: It provides insight into the Roman legal system and the potential consequences for soldiers who failed in their duties.
Undermines the official story: It reveals the weakness of the official story being circulated – that the disciples stole the body. The soldiers were clearly motivated by fear and bribery, casting doubt on the veracity of their claims.
This verse is part of the aftermath of the resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Let's break down what it means in context:
The Context: After Jesus' resurrection, the chief priests and elders bribed the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb to say that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole his body while they were sleeping (Matthew 28:11-13).
"If this comes to the governor's ears...": This acknowledges the potential problem for the soldiers. If the governor (Pontius Pilate) hears that they fell asleep on duty while guarding a prisoner's tomb, they could face serious punishment, possibly even death. Roman soldiers were known for their strict discipline, and dereliction of duty was a severe offense.
"...we will persuade him and make you free of worry.": This is the key part of the verse. The chief priests and elders are promising to use their influence and likely more bribes to convince Pilate not to punish the soldiers. They're assuring the soldiers that if Pilate hears the true story (that the body was stolen while they slept), they will intervene on their behalf to prevent any negative consequences. They are offering a guarantee of protection from the legal ramifications of their failure.
In essence, the verse means: The chief priests and elders are reassuring the Roman guards that if their story of falling asleep and the body being stolen reaches the governor's attention, they will use their influence (through persuasion and likely bribery) to protect the soldiers from punishment and alleviate their concerns.
Significance:
Highlights the corruption: This verse underscores the corruption and desperation of the Jewish leaders to suppress the truth of the resurrection. They were willing to lie, bribe, and manipulate the system to maintain their power and control.
Illustrates the Roman legal system: It provides insight into the Roman legal system and the potential consequences for soldiers who failed in their duties.
Undermines the official story: It reveals the weakness of the official story being circulated – that the disciples stole the body. The soldiers were clearly motivated by fear and bribery, casting doubt on the veracity of their claims.
