Matthew 27:64
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 27:64
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Chapter Context
Matthew 27 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, faith, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-66: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 27:64
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Analysis
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day (ἀσφαλισθῆναι τὸν τάφον)—asphalisthēnai means secured, made infallibly safe. They requested military guard precisely until the resurrection deadline. Lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away—proposing the very conspiracy theory they'd later spread (28:13). Their fear drove them to seal the evidence.
So the last error shall be worse than the first—'first error' was following Jesus; 'last error' would be believing his resurrection. But their precautions backfired: the secured tomb, official seal, and Roman guard became unassailable proof of resurrection. When the tomb emptied despite these measures, only supernatural power could explain it. God used their scheming to strengthen resurrection evidence.
Historical Context
Roman guards were 4-16 soldiers, trained and disciplined under pain of death for dereliction. The seal was cord and wax bearing Pilate's signet—breaking it meant execution. These measures made natural explanations impossible: theft required overpowering professional soldiers, moving a massive stone, and breaking a legal seal—all undetected. The chief priests accidentally created the perfect apologetic setup.
Reflection
- How did the leaders' attempt to prevent resurrection actually provide evidence for it?
- What 'last errors' do we fear might prove true, causing us to suppress evidence rather than investigate honestly?