New Testament
Matthew 28:14
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And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and protect you.
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And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
What Matthew 28:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the chief priests and elders are discussing how to handle the situation regarding the resurrection of Jesus. They are worried that if the news of Jesus rising from the dead reaches the governor, it could lead to trouble for them. To prevent this, they plan to bribe the soldiers guarding the tomb to spread a false story that Jesus' disciples stole His body. This reflects their desperation to maintain control and avoid the consequences of their actions. The verse highlights the lengths to which people will go to protect their interests, even if it involves deceit. It also shows the tension between the religious leaders and the political authorities, as they seek to manipulate the situation to their advantage. Ultimately, this moment sets the stage for the spread of the Gospel, as the truth of Jesus' resurrection cannot be contained by human schemes.
How to apply Matthew 28:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the dangers of deceit and manipulation in our lives. Instead of resorting to dishonest tactics to protect ourselves, we should seek truth and integrity. Trusting in God’s plan can help us navigate difficult situations without compromising our values.
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 does Matthew 28:14 mean?
Matthew 28:14 describes a conversation among the chief priests and elders who are worried about the implications of Jesus' resurrection. They plan to bribe the soldiers to spread a false story to protect their interests and avoid trouble with the governor.
What is the significance of the governor in Matthew 28:14?
The governor represents the political authority that the religious leaders fear. They believe that if the news of Jesus' resurrection reaches him, it could lead to serious consequences for them, highlighting their desperation to maintain control.
What does 'persuade him and protect you' mean in Matthew 28:14?
In this context, 'persuade him and protect you' means that the religious leaders plan to convince the governor to overlook the situation and ensure the soldiers' safety in exchange for their silence about the resurrection.
How does Matthew 28:14 relate to themes of deception?
Matthew 28:14 highlights themes of deception as the religious leaders resort to bribery and falsehoods to cover up the truth of Jesus' resurrection. It shows how fear of losing power can lead to unethical actions.
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