Matthew 28:11-15 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed to the chief priests all the things that were done.… Show the falsehood and improbability of the report, "His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept." I. It is very unlikely that a guard of Roman soldiers should sleep upon duty. II. The absurdity of this report is manifest from itself, for men cannot say what is done when they are asleep. III. If the guard of soldiers had fallen asleep as they were watching at the sepulchre, they must have awaked if any attempt had been made to steal the body. IV. The remaining of the burial clothes affords proof that the body was not removed by friends or other men. Whoever came upon such a design would have been in a hurry, and would have executed their design with all possible expedition, whereas here are marks of leisure and composure. V. It is not conceivable that the stealing away, or the clandestine removal, of the body of Jesus could answer any purpose whatever; therefore it was not thought of nor attempted by any. VI. There does not appear anywhere in this history any intimation of the disciples expecting the resurrection of Jesus; therefore they did not contrive any account of His being risen, nor had they beforehand any thought of it till they had more than sufficient evidence of that event. VII. This saying of the guard must have been false, forasmuch as no punishment was inflicted on any for taking away the body. VIII. It remains, therefore, that the testimony of the disciples of Jesus concerning the resurrection is true and credible. (N. Lardner.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. |
    |