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Explanation for:
Matthew
28
:
15
So they taking the money, did as they were taught: and this word was spread abroad among the Jews even unto this day.
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, instilling fear in the soldiers so that they would bear witness to the remarkable events that unfolded. The guards' testimony concerning this occurrence lacked any credibility, for the signs were evident throughout creation, with some being visible universally and others revealed specifically to those present at the tomb. The universal sign was the enveloping darkness, while the private indications included the appearance of an angel and the earthquake itself. Thus, when they came to proclaim the resurrection—truth that even the lips of adversaries cannot obscure—they were bribed with silver coins to claim, “His disciples came and took Him away.” Oh, the folly! The truth is indisputable, exposing their desperate attempts at deceit! Their assertions are utterly absurd, lacking any foundation. How could these simple men, who were too afraid to show themselves, have taken Him? Was there not a seal affixed to the tomb? Were there not soldiers and Jews guarding it from every side? Did they not fear the same outcome? Did they not remain vigilant and anxious? And what motive would they have to steal? To create the doctrine of resurrection? Yet, how could they have conceived such an idea when they preferred to remain hidden? And how did they manage to move the secured stone? How could they evade the watchful eyes of so many? They might disregard death, but surely they would not have recklessly entered such peril under the watch of numerous guards. Their fear is evident in their previous conduct; when the Lord was taken before them, they scattered in terror. If they lacked the courage to resist when He was alive, how could they hope to confront a multitude of soldiers at His death? Would it not require force to break in? Could it be done silently and alone? The stone was massive and needed many hands to roll it away. Thus, it is fitting to say, “And the last deception will be more brazen than the first,”—a reflection on their own actions. Instead of repenting, they merely concoct more absurd fabrications. They betrayed Him while He lived, and after His crucifixion and resurrection, they again sought to undermine the truth of the risen Christ with bribes. Observe how their own actions ensnare them! Had they not approached Pilate or requested guards, they might have continued in their shamelessness; now, however, they acted as if trying to stifle any dissent. If the disciples struggled to stay awake with Jesus, despite His admonitions, where did they find such bravery now? And why did they not attempt to take Him earlier? If that had been their intent, they would have done so on the first night when no guards were present at the tomb, making it easy and safe. It was only on the Sabbath that the Jews came to Pilate to request sentinels and began to keep watch; initially, there were no guards at the tomb. Furthermore, what does the mercy-seat signify? Peter saw it lying there. If the disciples truly meant to steal, they would not have left the body unclothed, both to avoid disgrace upon themselves and to prevent waking anyone who might seize them. Undressing would take considerable time due to the smyrna's adhesive properties to skin and fabric. Thus, the improbability of such a theft becomes apparent. Were they unaware of the Jewish anger they would provoke? And what gain would there be if Christ had not risen? The Jews themselves acknowledged their deception when they paid for silence, stating, “If this comes to light, we will appease the governor.” In vain, they fought against the truth, desiring to spread falsehood far and wide; yet, in their efforts to conceal it, they inadvertently allowed it to shine forth even more clearly. Their very claim, “As the disciples stole Him away,” affirms the resurrection, recognizing that the body was absent. Acknowledging that the body was gone, along with the implausibility and deceit of the theft evidenced by the guards’ presence and the disciples’ fear, reveals the reality of the resurrection. Yet, they shamelessly pursue their fabrications, attempting to silence any dissent by proclaiming, “Speak, and we will satisfy you, and free you from sorrow.” Notice how they conspired together: Pilate, the soldiers, and the Jewish populace. But do not be surprised that money swayed the soldiers. Having demonstrated such power over the disciples, they had even more influence over those guards. This narrative has persisted to the present day. Observe once again how the disciples exhibit a profound love for the truth! They are unashamed to declare the rumors that have been 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; however, they continue in their wickedness, using the funds designated for the temple to purchase falsehoods, much like they once offered thirty pieces of silver to Judas the betrayer. Thus, all who misappropriate the gifts intended for the temple and the offerings given for the Church's benefit, diverting them for personal gain, resemble the priests and scribes who procure falsehoods and the blood of the Savior."},{"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":"If silver could tempt the disciple, then surely it could sway warriors even more. The sin of greed is truly great, leading to numerous evils. He dismisses the claim that the disciples took the body of Jesus Christ as mere gossip. Luke recounts regarding the women: “And they returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest,” referring to the seventy disciples. He goes on to list them, stating: “But there was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.” Matthew mentions Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, not because they were alone, but because they stood out among those who were with them. Mark also includes Salome; however, Luke does not name her but refers to John as well, adding “and the other women with them,” which implies Salome and others. Following this listing of the women, Luke notes that “their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.” What happens next is recorded uniquely by John, specifically concerning Mary Magdalene, details that the others did not recount. Since the testimonies of the women appeared insignificant to the apostles, and they chose not to believe, Mary Magdalene, pondering that perhaps they had been misguided and that all they had seen was a specter (though the more discerning did not perceive it as such), felt compelled to act. She hurried to the tomb while it was still dark, expecting to find it sealed. Upon discovering that the stone had been rolled away, Mary momentarily forgot the prior events, having dismissed the news from the disciples. She assumed that Joseph had relocated the body of Jesus Christ to a more secure location. Hence, she dashed to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, proclaiming, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Then John recounts the subsequent events. Thus, a complete harmony emerges among all the evangelists, forming a unified narrative, especially when their accounts are examined in proper sequence. What one evangelist may have overlooked, another has included. Divine providence has orchestrated this, making it evident that they did not collaborate beforehand."},{"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":"They accepted the bribe and acted according to the instructions they received; this falsehood has been propagated among the Jewish people up until the present, even into the time when St. Matthew authored the Gospel. This egregious falsehood continues to be echoed in their Talmud, as well as in their customs and teachings. Is it possible for one to believe such preposterous claims? “It is indeed possible,” comments St. Philaret, “for a heart hardened by disbelief, much like a creature of the night, perceives only the shadows of skepticism, clings to its illusions, and shuns the blinding radiance of truth.” “Observe,” remarks St. Chrysostom, “the dedication the disciples have to truth: they boldly proclaim that a false rumor has been circulated against them.”"},{"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":"This statement refers to the belief that the followers of Jesus took His body during the night. Observe the deep commitment to truth demonstrated by the disciples, who boldly acknowledge that such allegations have been circulated about them. - The phrase 'until now' indicates the period up to when the Gospel was being written."},{"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 high priests quickly recognized that if the soldiers began to share news of the events of that night, people would likely come to believe that Jesus had indeed risen, acknowledging Him as the Messiah, the King of Israel. This realization placed them, the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin, in a precarious position. They needed a strategy for their own protection and sought to win over the soldiers, who were now considered perilous witnesses. To achieve this, they convened with the elders and concluded that bribery would be their approach to secure the soldiers' loyalty. \\n\\nAfter consulting with the elders, the chief priests instructed the soldiers to claim that Jesus’ disciples had come during the night and taken His body while they were asleep. The chief priests assured them that they would advocate for them if this information reached Pilate. Upon concluding their discussion, the chief priests provided the soldiers with a sum of money to ensure their cooperation. The soldiers accepted the bribe and followed the instructions given to them. A rumor subsequently circulated among the Jewish people and has continued to persist to this day, remaining until the time when the Apostle Matthew compiled the Gospel. For further insights, one may 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":"The most profound miracle had occurred, and all aspects surrounding this event testified convincingly to its validity. However, no miracle could penetrate the hardened skepticism of the Jewish authorities. Upon receiving the alarming news, they promptly convened to deliberate on how to suppress the reports of the miracle and halt its spread among the populace. Faced with the impossibility of countering the truth with honest methods, they turned to deceit. Following the clandestine interrogation that took place on the night of Good Friday, they initially opted for bribery, a tactic that had proven effective for them in the past. They “gave enough money to the soldiers, and said, ‘Say that His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we slept. And if this news reaches the governor, we will persuade him, and we will shield you from any repercussions.’” The soldiers accepted the bribe and acted according to their instructions. Greed prevailed over integrity. Thus began the dissemination of this false narrative, leading to the assertion that “this word has spread among the Jews even to this day,” as noted by the evangelist.\\n\\nThe falsehood was not hard to propagate. The announcement of Christ’s resurrection is so magnificent, so grace-filled, and so joyous that it is not unheard of to doubt it with delight, just as some of the disciples did. Yet, rejecting this truth requires one to wildly contradict all of history, defy the most compelling evidence, renounce common sense, and suppress one’s 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 scattered like dust across the earth, or that the mighty deities of Greece and Rome bowed down before the preaching of fishermen, tax collectors, and carpenters, then it is even more credible and undeniable that which is solemnly celebrated each year and every week by the best of humanity: the miracle of Christ’s resurrection."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The soldiers accepted bribes and followed their instructions, leading to a rumor that circulated among the Jewish community, with many continuing to believe it. How could such a ridiculous notion be accepted? As St. Philaret asserts, it is possible for those whose minds are entrenched in disbelief to see only darkness, much like a nocturnal bird, clinging to its errant dreams while shunning the illuminating truth that pierces their eyes. Pilate, upon learning of the Myrrh-Bearing Women’s journey, felt trepidation; fearing exposure of his unlawful decisions, he communicated with Emperor Tiberius, praising Christ's benevolent life and wondrous works. The reports Pilate sent to Tiberius regarding Christ's life, trial, resurrection, and miracles are striking. He noted that upon scrutinizing the Jewish accusations, he found no wrong in Jesus and made several attempts to free Him from the angered Jewish leaders but ultimately succumbed to their demands due to public pressure. Following the crucifixion, when extraordinary phenomena occurred in nature, and many who had died were raised, Pilate, gripped by fear, informed Caesar of all that had transpired, acknowledging Christ as an object of faith and divine nature. \\n\\nHistorians like Justin and Eusebius detail that such affirmations from the Roman governor fueled Tiberius’ own belief in Christ. It is said that he proposed to the Roman Senate to deify Jesus, which the Senate rejected, choosing instead to conduct no investigation, yet Tiberius, in response, decreed punishment for those who would insult Christ’s followers. Pilate himself, however, did not escape his fears. Four years later, he was called to Rome due to grievances from the Jewish populace, stripped of his authority, and exiled to Gaul. In one account, burdened by remorse, he took his own life, while another tradition states he repented, prayed to Christ, and was granted forgiveness.\\n\\nPrior to Jesus' trial, a coin was intended to be minted featuring a large image of Caesar on one side and a small likeness of Pilate on the opposite. On the day of the trial, Pilate’s wife implored him to spare the Righteous One, posing the question: \\"What will you do to rectify your guilt if it turns out that this man is indeed the Son of God rather than a criminal?\\" Pilate responded, \\"If He is the Son of God, He will rise again, and I will be the first to prohibit my image on coins during my lifetime.\\" Pilate's biographer, the learned Greek Hermidius, confirmed that after Christ’s resurrection, Pilate indeed forbade his image from being minted on currency. Historical records indicate that after Jesus’ execution, coins bearing Caesar’s image circulated, yet no coins featuring Pilate appeared.\\n\\nOpponents of the resurrection of Christ often cite a lack of evidence, but in truth, Labirinthios, an official present at Christ's resurrection, witnessed the stone rolled away and the brilliant figure ascending from the tomb. Labirinthios and his team hurried to inform the authorities of what they observed. Hermidius, initially skeptical, ventured to the tomb that night seeking reassurance that Christ had not risen, and instead, he and his colleagues experienced the resurrection themselves. He recounted that upon approaching the tomb, they found the guards in a state of shock, the atmosphere charged with an inexplicable light. A woman’s voice cried out that the tomb was opened, revealing the stone mysteriously rolled aside. \\n\\nEishu, a distinguished physician and naturalist, was also tasked by Pilate to observe the tomb leading up to the resurrection. Accompanied by his assistants, he kept vigil at the tomb, acutely aware of the prophecies surrounding Christ's resurrection. On that fateful night, they maintained a watch, and each of them confirmed seeing the risen Christ, despite their prior disbelief. \\n\\nA notable professor, Academician V. P. Buzeskul declared, \\"The resurrection of Christ is supported by historical evidence as irrefutable as the existence of Ivan the Terrible or Peter the Great. To deny Christ’s resurrection is to deny the existence of Pilate, Julius Caesar, Nero, and others.\\" Many other historical sources corroborate the resurrection as well, from figures who lived during Christ's time or were near Jerusalem, including Epiphanius Africanus and Eusebius of Egypt. \\n\\nJewish sources from that period, though often downplayed, include credible witnesses like Urista the Gamian and Miferkant, who was involved in the initial stages of the resurrection investigation. Miferkant arrived at the tomb to pay the guards just before the resurrection and later confirmed the miraculous events.\\n\\nThe historian Josephus Flavius acknowledged Jesus’ significant impact, detailing His marvelous deeds, His gathering of followers, and how Pilate ultimately condemned Him under pressure. Jesus’ resurrection occurred on the third day, fulfilling prophetic declarations.\\n\\nResearch estimates, according to Academician Petushin, place reliable testimonies of the resurrection at over 210, with contemporary findings exceeding that number, strengthening the claim of Christ’s return to life. Studies have shown the Shroud, a holy relic bearing the imprint of Christ's crucified body, supports these assertions. This Shroud, intricately woven and historically significant, has been adorned with the essence of Christ’s suffering, death, and miraculous return, and became known as the \\"fifth Gospel.\\"\\n\\nIn the 20th century, the Shroud began to exhibit striking changes, leading experts to remark that it appeared to come alive, deepening their belief in its divine authenticity. Major scientific congresses aided in the study of the Shroud, attracting individuals of varying faiths and backgrounds, some of whom experienced profound spiritual transformations during their investigation.\\n\\nMoreover, the Shroud bears witness to Christ’s glorious resurrection, illustrating His divine love for humanity—His sacrifice and subsequent victory over death, granting believers hope and a path to eternal life."},{"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 astonishing occurrences surrounding Christ's resurrection left the guards in such profound astonishment that they appeared lifeless. Once they regained their composure, they rushed into the city to inform the chief priests about the events that had unfolded. The chief priests then offered the guards money to claim that the disciples had taken away their Lord's body under the cover of night while the guards were asleep. To alleviate any anxiety the soldiers might have regarding accountability for their negligence in front of the governor, the chief priests assured them that they would also provide a bribe for the governor."},{"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 announcement of Jesus' resurrection was conveyed to His adversaries by the guards. An opposing disbelief, one fortified against the truth, confronted the Jewish leaders. It is clear that the guards had retreated before the Lord's appearance, as evidenced by Mary’s immediate inquiry to the angels about the location of the Lord's body. Had the guards still been present, she surely would have posed the same question to them."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Could it be that the story of the theft of Jesus' body continued to circulate among the Jews as a narrative deemed worthy of attention? It certainly could, for a heart entrenched in disbelief, much like a nocturnal bird, perceives only in the shadows of doubt, clings to its own illusions, and shies away from the illuminating truth that dazzles its vision. ‘This word has travelled in Judea even unto this day.’"}]}
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