New Testament
Matthew 28:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The chief priests met with the elders and came up with a plan. They paid the soldiers a large sum of money
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And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
What Matthew 28:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the chief priests and elders, who were the religious leaders of the time, gathered together to discuss how to handle the situation following Jesus' resurrection. They were concerned about the implications of the empty tomb and wanted to prevent any further claims that Jesus had risen from the dead. To do this, they devised a plan to bribe the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb. They offered them a significant amount of money to spread a false story that Jesus' disciples had stolen His body while they were asleep. This action highlights the lengths to which the religious leaders would go to maintain their authority and suppress the truth about Jesus' resurrection. It also reflects the moral corruption and fear of losing power that can lead individuals to act dishonestly. This moment sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between the early Christian movement and the established religious authorities.
How to apply Matthew 28:12 to your life
This verse reminds us of the dangers of prioritizing power and control over truth. In our own lives, we should strive to seek honesty and integrity, even when faced with pressure to conform or deceive. Upholding truth is essential in our relationships and communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What was the plan of the chief priests in Matthew 28:12?
In Matthew 28:12, the chief priests and elders devised a plan to counter the claims of Jesus' resurrection. They met to discuss how to handle the situation of the empty tomb and decided to bribe the soldiers who had been guarding it. Their aim was to prevent any further claims that Jesus had risen by paying the soldiers to spread a false narrative that His disciples had stolen His body while they were asleep.
Why did the chief priests bribe the soldiers?
The chief priests bribed the soldiers to suppress the truth about Jesus' resurrection. They feared that if the news of His resurrection spread, it would undermine their authority and influence over the people. By offering a large sum of money, they sought to ensure that the soldiers would lie about what happened at the tomb, thereby maintaining their control and preventing the growth of the early Christian movement.
What does Matthew 28:12 reveal about the religious leaders?
Matthew 28:12 reveals the lengths to which the religious leaders would go to protect their power and authority. Their willingness to bribe soldiers highlights their moral corruption and fear of losing control. Instead of acknowledging the truth of Jesus' resurrection, they chose deception, demonstrating how fear can lead individuals to act dishonestly and prioritize their interests over integrity.
How can we apply the lessons from Matthew 28:12 to our lives?
The lessons from Matthew 28:12 remind us of the importance of prioritizing truth over power and control. In our own lives, we may face situations where we are pressured to conform or deceive for personal gain. This verse encourages us to uphold honesty and integrity, even in challenging circumstances, as doing so is essential for building trust in our relationships and communities.
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