Matthew 28:14
And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Pilate, as Roman governor (prefect) of Judea, held absolute power over legal matters in his jurisdiction. The chief priests had learned how to manipulate him—appealing to his fear of Caesar's displeasure (John 19:12) to force Jesus's crucifixion. They would use similar leverage again if needed.
Roman governors often cooperated with local religious authorities to maintain peace. Pilate, despite his cruelty in other instances (Luke 13:1), generally tried to avoid unrest. The chief priests' political influence, backed by their ability to incite riots (as they had done during Jesus's trial, Matthew 27:20-24), gave them leverage.
The phrase 'secure you' implied not just protection from Pilate but from any investigation. The Sanhedrin would use their wealth and power to ensure the guards faced no consequences. This reveals how thoroughly institutions can be corrupted when leaders prioritize self-preservation over truth.
Historically, this cover-up succeeded in Jewish circles ('commonly reported among the Jews until this day,' verse 15) but failed to stop Christianity's spread. Despite official propaganda, eyewitness testimony to resurrection—backed by the disciples' transformed lives and willingness to die—proved more persuasive than institutional lies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the religious leaders' promise to protect the guards from consequences mirror how sin often offers apparent security while enslaving us to lies and corruption?
- What does their willingness to use political manipulation ('we will persuade him') teach us about how institutional religion can compromise with worldly power structures?
- In what ways might we be tempted to 'secure ourselves' through compromise with lies or half-truths rather than trusting God while standing for truth?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. The chief priests anticipated potential consequences. Roman soldiers sleeping on duty could be executed. Temple guards failing their assignment could be severely punished. The soldiers' natural fear required assurance, which the religious leaders promised.
'If this come to the governor's ears' (ἐὰν ἀκουσθῇ τοῦτο ἐπὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος/ean akousthē touto epi tou hēgemonos)—Pilate would certainly hear about the empty tomb and claims of resurrection. He had been involved in the crucifixion and tomb-sealing (Matthew 27:11-26, 65). Any report of missing body or failed guard duty would reach him.
'We will persuade him' (ἡμεῖς πείσομεν αὐτόν/hēmeis peisomen auton)—the chief priests promised to use their influence with Pilate. They had already manipulated him to crucify Jesus against his better judgment (Matthew 27:24). Now they would leverage their power again to protect the guards and maintain their false narrative.
'And secure you' (καὶ ὑμᾶς ἀμερίμνους ποιήσομεν/kai hymas amerim nous poiēsomen)—literally 'make you free from care/worry.' They promised complete protection, removing all risk from accepting the bribe and spreading the lie. This package of money plus protection from consequences made the offer compelling despite its requiring the guards to confess to a capital military offense.
This verse exposes the corruption's depth: religious leaders using political influence to suppress truth and protect those who perpetuate lies. It demonstrates how institutional power, divorced from accountability to God, becomes an instrument of darkness rather than light.