What is the meaning of Matthew 27:63? Sir, • The Jewish leaders address Pilate with a term of respect, acknowledging his authority even though they rejected Jesus’ (Matthew 27:2). • Their deference highlights their dependence on Rome to secure their desired outcome, just as they had relied on Pilate to authorize the crucifixion (John 19:10-16). • Contrast this earthly authority with Christ’s superior, divine authority declared in Matthew 28:18, reminding us whose word truly stands. they said, • The phrase shows collective agreement—chief priests and Pharisees speaking in one voice (Matthew 27:62). • Earlier, these same groups had opposed each other (Acts 23:8), yet they unite against Jesus, fulfilling Psalm 2:1-2: “The kings of the earth take their stand…against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • Their collaboration underscores how unbelief can forge alliances that normally would not exist (Luke 23:12—Herod and Pilate became friends). we remember that while He was alive • Even Christ’s enemies recall His words; His teaching was unmistakable and memorable (John 7:46). • Their memory confirms that Jesus plainly predicted His resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19). • This recollection testifies to the reliability of Scripture—what Jesus said was heard, retained, and later verified (John 2:19-22). that deceiver said, • The leaders label Jesus “that deceiver,” echoing Deuteronomy 13:5 where false prophets are condemned, yet their very accusation proves false when He rises (Acts 2:24). • Isaiah 53:9 foretold He would be “assigned a grave with the wicked,” yet “no deceit was in His mouth.” Their slur fulfills prophecy regarding their unjust judgments. • Their choice of words displays hardened hearts (John 12:37-40), revealing resolve to suppress truth rather than submit to it. ‘After three days I will rise again.’ • Jesus’ promise is explicit: resurrection on the third day (Matthew 12:40; Mark 8:31; 9:31). • The leaders fear—not the disciples’ ingenuity, but the power of a fulfilled prophecy (Matthew 28:11-15). • This statement links directly to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where Paul affirms that Christ “was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” foundational to the gospel. • The precision (“after three days”) shows God’s sovereign timetable; He kept it literally, vindicating every word of Christ (Luke 24:6-7). summary Matthew 27:63 reveals that even Christ’s opposers remembered His resurrection claim, feared its impact, and involuntarily testified to the accuracy of His words. Their respectful appeal to Pilate, united voice, selective memory, hostile label, and citation of Jesus’ precise prophecy together underscore the reliability of Scripture and the certainty of the resurrection that would soon silence every charge of deceit. |
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