Vainly they seal the dead
Slopsema provides an exegetical exposition of Matthew 27:62-66, examining the Pharisees' sealing of Jesus' tomb and their vain attempt to prevent the resurrection. The article argues that while the guard was ineffective in preventing Christ's rising, it served a providential purpose as witness to the resurrection, demonstrating the necessity and certainty of Christ's resurrection as the completion of His atoning work.
"Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go...
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