THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 28 - Verse 14

Verse 14. The governor's ears. To Pilate. If it is reported to him that Jesus was stolen while you slept.

We will persuade him. We will convince, or satisfy him, so that he shall not punish you. This they might promise with safety. For,

(1.) they knew from the character of Pilate that he could be easily bribed.

(2.) Pilate, after the feast of the passover, was accustomed to return to Caesarea. He had not been inclined at all to interfere in anything concerning the Saviour, until it was urged upon him by the Jews. He would not be disposed of himself to take any farther trouble about the matter. He would feel that all that could be demanded of him had been done, and would not be disposed farther to interfere, unless the sanhedrim should demand it. This of course they would not do.