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Explanation for:
Matthew
28
:
14
And if the governor shall hear this, we will persuade him, and secure you.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A tremor shook the earth, striking fear into the hearts of the soldiers so they might become witnesses. This is what transpired. The guards’ report of the incident was far from suspicious, as some signs were visible throughout the cosmos, while others were revealed exclusively to those present at the tomb. The cosmic sign was darkness, while the private signs were the appearance of an angel and the quake. Thus, when they came to proclaim the resurrection, the truth even issued from the lips of its adversaries, they were given silver coins to spread the story that ‘His disciples took His body.’ How could they have accomplished this? Oh, foolish ones! The truth is so evidently clear that they cannot fabricate a convincing lie! Their claims are utterly absurd, lacking any credibility whatsoever. Pray tell, how could the disciples, simple and timid men who previously wouldn’t even show themselves, have stolen Him? Was there not a seal placed at the entrance to the tomb? Was not the sepulcher monitored closely by both soldiers and Jews? Were they not apprehensive, vigilant, and concerned? And what motive did they have to steal the body? To concoct a narrative of resurrection? Yet how could they have thought to create such a story for those who preferred living in obscurity? And how did they manage to roll away the approved stone? How could they have avoided detection from such a large number? They might disdain death, yet recklessly entering into such peril would have been in vain when surrounded by guards. Their trepidation is evidenced by their previous actions; when Christ was seized in their sight, they all fled. If they dared not protest when they witnessed Him alive, how could they have acted confidently amidst the multitude of soldiers during His crucifixion? Was it not necessary to remove the door forcefully? Could that have been achieved discreetly, even alone? The stone was immense; it would take many hands to move it. Thus, they rightfully declared, ‘And the last flattery shall be prouder than the first,’ a statement revealing their own folly; rather than repenting, they only compounded their ridiculous tales. They sought profit from His blood while He was still living, and after His crucifixion and resurrection, they again attempted to undermine the truth with monetary persuasion. Observe how they are ensnared by their own actions! If they had not approached Pilate, if they had not requested guards, they might have maintained some shamelessness; however, their every effort appears aimed at silencing the truth. And if the disciples could not remain awake to pray with Jesus, despite His reproach, what gave them such newfound strength? Why did they not act before, but only when you arrived? If they had intended to act, they would have done so on the first night when no guards were present; it would have been easy and completely safe. The Jews only approached Pilate to ask for guards on the Sabbath and commenced their watch then; yet on the initial night, none were at the tomb. Furthermore, what of the mercy-seat? Peter observed it lying there. If the disciples had wished to steal, they would not have taken the body without clothing, not only to avoid dishonoring Him but also to do so without awakening those who might apprehend them. Additionally, removing the garments would have been challenging and time-consuming due to the sticky nature of the myrrh used in burial. Thus, the implausibility of the theft becomes apparent. Were they unaware of the Jewish fury, risking their ire? And what would it profit them if Christ had not risen? The Jews themselves acknowledged their own fabrication when they offered the silver, claiming, ‘If you speak this, we will appease the governor.’ In vain did they strive against the truth, seeking to disseminate falsehood; yet through their very attempts to obscure it, they inadvertently caused it to shine even more brightly. Their very assertion that ‘the disciples stole away’ actually corroborates the resurrection; they concede that the body was absent. By admitting that the body was not there, and with the guards at the tomb making theft improbable, alongside the signs and the fearful reactions of the disciples, the evidence of the resurrection is unveiled. Yet still, they act shamelessly; with all attempting to suppress the truth, they say, ‘Shout out, and we will satisfy you and relieve your sorrow.’ Behold how all conspire against them: Pilate (they sought to silence him), the soldiers, and the Jewish populace. Yet let it not astonish you that money overcame the soldiers. If it could overpower the disciples, it would certainly hold sway over them. This rumor persists even to the present day. Notice again the disciples’ fervent love for the truth! How they are unashamed to acknowledge that such a rumor has spread about them!"},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"They ought to have turned away from their wrongdoing and sought the Risen Christ, yet they continue in their wickedness, spending the funds intended for the temple on deceit, much like they once gave thirty pieces of silver to Judas Iscariot. Thus, anyone who misappropriates the offerings meant for the temple or what is provided for the Church’s welfare, diverting these resources for their own desires, mirrors the actions of the priests and scribes who purchase falsehoods and the sacrifice of the Savior."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Amidst all these acts of evil, the Jewish leaders resorted to bribery and, worse, they deceived others by falsely accusing them of various wrongdoings. They commodified sin, using money to mask their own transgressions. This led them to bribe Judas, who betrayed the Lord. They sought to compensate, in financial terms, for the blood of the Savior of all humanity. In a futile attempt to suppress faith, they aimed to buy silence, thereby committing a far graver sin by denying the Resurrection. They provided the guards with enough money, instructing them to claim, \\"Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept; and if this report reaches the governor, we will persuade him and relieve you of your concern.\\" Receiving the payment, they followed the instructions given to them, and this narrative has persisted among the Jews up to this day, and among Christians as well. What they concealed beneath gold in Judea has shone forth brilliantly and powerfully across the entire world. The disciples did discover Christ, but they did not take Him away. You may have bought betrayal, yet you did not capture the truth. Nevertheless, Christ has risen, and you have squandered your money."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Persuade him that he is too fragile; had he been more steadfast, your arguments would not sway him at all, as your words hold little persuasive power. What gain could the disciples have in stealing the body of Jesus Christ? How would they have managed to elude so many sentinels and others positioned near the tomb? These fearful men, who scattered upon seeing their Master bound, and whose first believer denied Him due to his apprehension of a woman, would not risk exposing themselves to such peril. If they were capable of taking Him without any threat on the first night, when no guards were present, why would they choose to attempt it amidst significant risk on the second night, with guards at the tomb? Observe how irrationally the Jews acted against their own interests, as previously illustrated. Had there been no guards, they might still have made claims regarding a theft, but now they are utterly speechless before the righteous judges, finding themselves constrained to silence on all fronts."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Simultaneously, the report of Jesus' resurrection was conveyed to His adversaries through the soldiers. This created a new form of disbelief, one that stood in opposition to the truth, confronting the Jewish leaders. The fact that the soldiers had vacated their posts prior to the appearance of the Lord is clear, as Mary began to inquire about the Lord’s body as soon as she encountered the angels. If the guards had still been present, she would have directed her questions toward them as well."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The extraordinary occurrences surrounding Christ's resurrection astonished the guards to the point of near lifelessness. Once they regained their composure, they rushed into the city to inform the chief priests of the events. The chief priests, in turn, offered the guards money to claim that the disciples had stealthily taken the body of their Lord during the night while the guards slept. To alleviate the soldiers' concerns about potential repercussions for their negligence before the governor, the chief priests assured them that they would also provide a bribe to the governor."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If this is not the case, and if this information indeed reaches the governor, we will convince him; regardless, we will spare you from any hassle, so do not worry."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"We will convince him: the soldiers could be assured that the governor would refrain from punishing them, as they recognized that he himself might be swayed by a bribe. Additionally, he would be returning to Caesarea, his accustomed home, after the feast, where he would likely ignore any such gossip, particularly since, as a Gentile, he would not be inclined to accept the idea of resurrection and would more likely assume that the body of the crucified One was taken away by the disciples under the cover of night."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The chief priests quickly recognized that if the soldiers began to share the events of that night, the people would likely come to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, acknowledging Him as the Messiah and King of Israel. This realization put the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin in a precarious position. They needed a strategy for their own protection and sought to persuade these soldiers—who were potent witnesses—to align with them. To accomplish this, they convened with the elders and resolved to win the soldiers over with a bribe. After this meeting, the chief priests instructed the soldiers to proclaim that the disciples of Jesus had come at night to steal away His body while the soldiers were asleep. They assured the soldiers that they would advocate on their behalf should Pilate hear about it. Once they had concluded their scheme, the chief priests provided the soldiers with money to secure their cooperation. The soldiers accepted the bribe and acted according to their instructions. Consequently, this story circulated among the Jewish people and continued to spread even at the time when the Gospel was compiled by the Apostle Matthew. For additional context, refer to Matthew 27:65."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A profound miracle had taken place, and every aspect surrounding it testified convincingly to its reality. Nevertheless, the hardened disbelief of the Jewish leaders remained unyielding. Upon learning the distressing news, they quickly convened to strategize on how to suppress the rumor of this miracle, ensuring it did not gain traction among the people. Faced with the challenge, they realized that they could not combat the truth using honest methods, so they turned to deception. Just as they had resorted to secret interrogations on the night of Good Friday, they now opted for bribery, which had proven effective for them on previous occasions. They “gave sufficient money to the soldiers and instructed them, ‘Tell them that His disciples came by night and took Him away while we slept. If this reaches the governor, we will persuade him, and you won’t have to worry.’” The soldiers accepted the bribe and acted as directed; money overcame integrity. They began to propagate this false narrative, leading to the declaration that “this saying is spread among the Jews even to this day.”\\n\\nIt was not challenging for this falsehood to circulate. The announcement of Christ’s resurrection is extraordinarily profound, gracious, and joyful, allowing some disciples to disbelieve it with a sense of joy. However, it is impossible to refute its truth without clashing dramatically with the entire course of history, rejecting the most compelling evidence, forsaking basic human reasoning, and extinguishing the remaining sense of historical authenticity. If it is plausible to claim that the Roman emperor Tiberius never existed or that the Jewish people, who crucified Christ, dispersed like dust across the earth, or that the revered gods of Greece and Rome toppled before the preaching of fishermen, tax collectors, and carpenters; then all the more credible and indisputable is the miracle that every year and every week, the best among humanity solemnly celebrates: the resurrection of Christ."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In their determination to achieve their aim, they resorted to a familiar method. As St. John Chrysostom remarked, after 'they had purchased the blood of Christ while He was still alive, following His crucifixion and resurrection, they once again attempted to distort the truth of the resurrection using bribes. They provided the soldiers with sufficient money and promised them complete immunity, urging them to spread a deliberately false narrative: 'Testify that His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep; and if this news reaches the governor, we will pacify him and keep you from harm.' The lie concocted by Christ's adversaries revealed its inherent contradictions from the very outset. St. John Chrysostom points out, 'Observe how their actions ensnare them at every turn! Had they not approached Pilate, had they not requested guards, they might have slandered without consequence; however, by doing just the opposite, they seemed to be attempting to silence themselves.' How could the disciples have dared to steal the body of Christ while it was guarded when even the voice of a servant girl intimidated the bravest of them (Matt. 26:69-72), and they all fled at the sight of the armed mob shortly before (Mark 14:50)? Is it plausible that they could have taken the body secretly at night while the guards were asleep? How could they have approached the tomb, broken the seal, rolled away the heavy stone from the entrance, entered, and taken the body without waking at least one of the guards? Even if they had achieved the extraordinary feat of entering the tomb unnoticed, would they have lingered there and, instead of hastily taking the body away, meticulously wrapped the tightly clinging burial cloths and the headscarf, placing them in an orderly fashion (John 20:6, 7)? Furthermore, if the guards were truly asleep, how could they have known and testified about events they did not witness? These inconsistencies, which are self-evident, lead to further perplexities. The guards were mandated to remain vigilant and protect the body. Having permitted the supposed theft and demonstrated gross negligence, they warrant severe penalties: why, instead of facing punishment, were they left unharmed and even rewarded? The alleged abductors should have faced even harsher consequences: why are they silent, and why were they not identified, tried, or punished? Thus, the adversaries of Christ, instead of revealing the truth through a fair examination, in their blindness and hardened disbelief, sought to shroud God's work in a crude mix of falsehood and deception."}]}
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