62 Now on the day after the getting ready of the Passover, the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we have in mind how that false man said, while he was still living, After three days I will come again from the dead. 64 Give orders, then, that the place where his body is may be made safe till the third day, for fear that his disciples come and take him away secretly and say to the people, He has come back from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said to them, You have watchmen; go and make it as safe as you are able. 66 So they went, and made safe the place where his body was, putting a stamp on the stone, and the watchmen were with them.
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.