Matthew 28:12

“And when they were assembled with the elders, etc.] Upon this the grand sanhedrim was convened together, which consisted of the chief priests, Scribes, and elders; and had taken counsel among themselves what steps to take to stifle this matter, that it might not spread and be believed by the people; they agreed upon this, as the best expedient, to bribe the soldiers to give a false account of it, as they did: they gave large money unto the soldiers, or “sufficient money”; they gave large sums of money, as were enough to satisfy the soldiers; they gave them whatever they would have; for though these men were very covetous, yet upon this occasion gave liberally; and that perhaps which were for…”

“And when they were assembled with the elders--But Joseph at least was absent: Gamaliel probably also; and perhaps others. and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers--It would need a good deal; but the whole case of the Jewish authorities was now at stake. With what contempt must these soldiers have regarded the Jewish ecclesiastics!”

“And when they were assembled ... - They deemed the matter of so much importance as to justify the calling together of the great council of the nation. Notwithstanding all their caution, it was plain that the body of Jesus was gone. It was further plain that the disciples would affirm that he was restored to life again. It was not improbable that Jesus would himself appear, and convince multitudes that he was the Messiah, and that the guilt of putting him to death would, after all their caution and cunning, be charged on them. They had been at great pains to procure his death. They had convinced Pilate that he was dead. They had placed a guard for the express purpose of preventing his being…”

“28:12 Such a bribe was contrary to the law (see Exod 20:16; 23:8). • elders: See study note on Matt 21:23.”

“Mat 26:3, Mat 26:4, Mat 27:1, Mat 27:2, Mat 27:62-64; Psa 2:1-7; Joh 11:47, Joh 12:10, Joh 12:11; Acts 4:5-22; Act 5:33, Act 5:34, Act 5:40 Matthew 28:13”