The Guards at the Tomb

The day after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees remind Pilate that Jesus said he would rise after three days. They ask for the tomb to be secured against theft and against a false report of resurrection. Pilate tells them to use their guard, and they seal the stone and post the watch.

T⁶²he next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate. ⁶³“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” ⁶⁵“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.