The Guard's Report and the Bribe

Matthew 28:11-15

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.

And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money

and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’

If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”

So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.