Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:66

"So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them." — Matthew 27:66 (ASV)

The NIV’s rendering “Take a guard” is better read, “You have a guard of soldiers.” That is, Pilate refuses to use his troops but tells the Jewish authorities that they have the temple police at their disposal; and he grants the leaders permission to use them. This explains why, after the Resurrection, the guards report to the chief priests, not to Pilate (28:11). Pilate’s answer in v.65 must therefore be construed as cynical. He is saying, “You were afraid of this man when he was alive; now he is dead, and you are still afraid! By all means secure the tomb as tightly as possible, if you think that will help; but use your own police.” So guards are posted and the stone sealed with cord and an official wax seal.