Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 28:12

"And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave much money unto the soldiers," — Matthew 28:12 (ASV)

They gave large money unto the soldiers,

Money, wherever it comes in, seems to do mischief. For money Christ was betrayed, and for money the truth about His resurrection was kept back as far as it could be. Money has had a hardening effect on some of the highest servants of God, and all who have to touch the filthy lucre need to pray for grace to keep them from being harmed by being brought into contact with it.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel,

They ought to have repented at once when the watch came, and told them that Jesus was risen. Ought they not to have gone, and fallen at his feet, and begged for mercy? But instead of that.