The Soldiers Bribed to Lie

11 As they went, behold, some of the guards went into the city and brought word to the chief priests of all that had taken place. 12 After the chief priests had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this matter is heard before the governor, we will persuade him and keep you free from concern.” 15 So they took the money and did as they had been instructed. And this story is still being spread among the Jews today.