62 And on the morrow that is after the preparation, were gathered together the chief priests, and the Pharisees, unto Pilate, 63 saying, 'Sir, we have remembered that that deceiver said while yet living, After three days I do rise; 64 command, then, the sepulchre to be made secure till the third day, lest his disciples, having come by night, may steal him away, and may say to the people, He rose from the dead, and the last deceit shall be worse than the first.' 65 And Pilate said to them, 'Ye have a watch, go away, make secure—as ye have known;' 66 and they, having gone, did make the sepulchre secure, having sealed the stone, together with the watch.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 27:62-66
Commentary on Matthew 27:62-66
(Read Matthew 27:62-66)
On the Jewish sabbath, the chief priests and Pharisees, when they should have been at their devotions, were dealing with Pilate about securing the sepulchre. This was permitted that there might be certain proof of our Lord's resurrection. Pilate told them that they might secure the sepulchre as carefully as they could. They sealed the stone, and set a guard, and were satisfied that all needful care was taken. But to guard the sepulchre against the poor weak disciples was folly, because needless; while to think to guard it against the power of God, was folly, because fruitless, and to no purpose; yet they thought they dealt wisely. But the Lord took the wise in their own craftiness. Thus shall all the rage and the plans of Christ's enemies be made to promote his glory.