guard at the tomb

An episode found only in Matthew, this passage recounts the visit of the Sanhedrin's representatives to Pilate on Saturday morning to obtain a guard for the tomb of Jesus. Fearing a rumor of resurrection, they have the sepulcher sealed. Pilate, a pragmatist, yields to their request. This episode reveals the tensions between the Jewish religious leadership and Roman authority, and directly prepares the account of the resurrection.

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