“and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.”
Matthew 28:13 (BSB)
Context Reading
11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.