Matthew 27:64

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, give the order to secure the grave site until the third day, so his disciples will not steal his body and then tell the people ‘He has risen from the dead.’ This last deception would be worse than the first one [i.e., the claim that Jesus rose from the dead would be worse than the claim that he was the Messiah].”

Cross References

Matthew 28:13

saying, “We want you to say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came at night and stole his body while we were asleep.’

Matthew 12:45

Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits, more evil than itself, and they reenter [the body] and [begin to] live there, so that the latter state of that person becomes worse than the former [state]. It will be the same way with the people of this evil generation.”

Matthew 27:63

and said, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘I will rise [from the dead] after three days.’

Matthew 27:65

Pilate said to them, “Take [a group of] guards [with you]; go and make the grave site as secure as you can.”

1 Thessalonians 2:3

For our appeal [to you was] not based on error, or impure [motives], or deception.