Matthew 28:11

¶ 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.

Now {G1161} when they {G846} were going {G4198}, behold {G2400}, some {G5100} of the watch {G2892} came {G2064} into {G1519} the city {G4172}, and shewed {G518} unto the chief priests {G749} all the things {G537} that were done {G1096}.

As they were going, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the head cohanim everything that had happened.

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass.

Matthew 28:11 KJV Commentary

Context of Matthew 28:11

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events at Jesus' tomb on resurrection morning. After Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encountered the angel who announced Jesus' resurrection and then met the risen Christ Himself (Matthew 28:1-10), the scene shifts to the Roman guards. These soldiers had been stationed at the tomb at the insistence of the chief priests and Pharisees, who feared Jesus' disciples would steal His body and claim He had risen (Matthew 27:62-66). Verse 11 describes their immediate reaction to the supernatural events they witnessed: the earthquake, the angel's descent, and the empty tomb.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Eyewitness Testimony from Unexpected Sources: The "watch" or guards were pagan Roman soldiers, not disciples. Their report to the chief priests was an unwilling yet powerful testimony to the reality of the resurrection. They had no motive to lie in favor of Jesus; in fact, their lives were at risk for failing to secure the tomb.
  • The Uncontainable Truth: Despite all precautions—a sealed tomb, a large stone, and a Roman guard—the resurrection could not be suppressed. God's power over death was undeniable, even to those who sought to prevent evidence of it.
  • Desperation of the Religious Leaders: The chief priests, upon hearing this irrefutable evidence from their own appointed guards, did not repent or believe. Instead, their subsequent actions (detailed in Matthew 28:12-15) reveal their deep-seated rejection of Jesus and their willingness to spread a fabricated lie.

Linguistic Insights

The term "watch" (Greek: koustodia) refers to the Roman guard, emphasizing their official capacity and the authority under which they were placed to secure the tomb. Their detailed report, "shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done," underscores the comprehensive nature of their eyewitness account, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the supernatural events they observed.

Practical Application and Significance

Matthew 28:11 highlights that the truth of Jesus' resurrection was not a secret or a mere rumor among His followers; it was a verifiable event witnessed even by those who were hostile or indifferent to Him. This provides a strong foundation for faith, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human efforts or opposition. For believers today, this verse reinforces the historical reliability of the resurrection narrative and reminds us that the power of God can overcome any obstacle, even death itself. It also serves as a poignant reminder that even when confronted with overwhelming evidence, some will choose to reject the truth, a pattern seen throughout history and in our own times.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 27:65

    Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make [it] as sure as ye can.

  • Matthew 27:66

    So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

  • Matthew 28:4

    And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].

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