Matthew 28:12

12 They met with the elders and decided to give a large sum of money to the soldiers.

Matthew 28:12 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 28:12

And when they were assembled with the elders
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 the sacrifices, or for the repair of the temple, or for the supply of the poor.

Matthew 28:12 In-Context

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there."

11 Now as the women were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened.

12 They met with the elders and decided to give a large sum of money to the soldiers.

13 They told them, "Say that Jesus' disciples came at night and stole his body while you were sleeping.

14 And if the governor hears about this, we will take care of it with him so you will have nothing to worry about."