Matthew 28

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

← Previous chapter Next chapter →

Matthew 28:13

“Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.”

The fabricated story — his disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep — is the first recorded counter-narrative to the resurrection. Its logical problems are immediately apparent: sleeping guards cannot testify to what happened while they slept; soldiers who slept on duty faced severe Roman punishment; and Matthew's entire narrative has made clear that the disciples were in hiding, not planning a tomb raid. But the story is not designed to be logically airtight — it is designed to be emotionally satisfying to those who want an alternative to the resurrection. The stolen-body hypothesis has recurred in various forms throughout church history precisely because it provides a naturalistic explanation for the empty tomb without requiring the resurrection. Matthew includes it to show that the empty tomb was never disputed — only explained differently.

Community Reflections

No notes on this verse yet

Be the first to write a note about this verse.

Matthew 28:13

“Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.”

Community Reflections

No notes on this verse yet

Be the first to write a note about this verse.

Share a reflection