Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 27:66

66 So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch,

This part of the History, is recorded by no other Evangelist, the recording it by Matthew, contributeth yet further to Evidence the Truth of Christs Resurrection. For here was all imaginable care taken to prevent a Cheat in the Case. The next day that followed the Day of the Preparation must be the Sabbath Day, Mark 15.42. These Superstitious Hypocrites, that quarrelled with our Saviour, for his Disciples (being hungry) plucking Ears of Corn on the Sabbath Day, and for his healing him that had a Withered Hand, Chap. 12.13. can now themselves go to Pilate, to set him on Work, to command that the Sepulcher should be made fast to the third Day. They alledge that Christ, whom they impiously call that Deceiver, said, while he was alive, that he would rise again the third Day. to answer the Type of the Prophet Ionas, Chap. 12.39, 40. They were doubtless jealous that there was more Truth in those Words, then they were willing to believe. They pretend also a fear, lest his Disciples should come privately by Night, and steal his Body away, and then say he was risen. But was this a probable thing? that a Government should be afraid of a few, poor unarmed Men? they were doubtless convicted in their own Consciences, that he would rise again from the Dead, and to prevent his coming out of the Sepulcher, they would have Pilate Command, that the Sepulcher should be made sure. Pilate tells them, that they had a Watch, a Band of Souldiers, which he had commanded at this time to attend them, either for the Guard of the Temple, or other things, about which they would imploy them, they might make the Sepulcher as sure as they could So they went, and made the Sepulcher sure, sealing the Stone, and setting a Watch. Vain Men! as if the same Power that was necessary to raise and quicken the Dead, could not also remove the Stone, and break through the Watch, which, they had set. But by this their Excessive Care, and Diligence, instead of preventing Christs Resurrection, as they intended they have confirmed the Truth, and Belief of it to all the World. So doth God take the wise in their own Craftiness, and turn their Wisdom into Foolishness, that he may set his King upon his Holy Hill of Zion.