Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 28].
of the plural for pieces of silver (\arguria\) is common. The
papyri have many instances of \hikana\ for considerable (from
\hikan•\, to reach to, attain to). These pious Sanhedrists knew
full well the power of bribes. They make a contract with the
Roman soldiers to tell a lie about the resurrection of Jesus as
they paid Judas money to betray him. They show not the slightest
tendency to be convinced by the facts though one had risen from
the dead.
28:13 {Stole him away while we slept} (\eklepsan auton h•m•n
koim•men•n\). Genitive absolute. An Irish bull on the face of it.
If they were asleep they would not know anything about it.
28:14 {We will persuade him, and rid you of care} (\h•meis
peisomen kai humas amerimnous poi•somen\). They would try money
also on Pilate and assume all responsibility. Hence the soldiers
have no anxiety (\amerimnous\, alpha privative and \merimna•\, to
be anxious). They lived up to their bargain and this lie lives on
through the ages. Justin (_Dial_. 108) accuses the Jews of
spreading the charge. Bengel: _Quam laboriosum bellum mendacii
contra veritatem_. {It was spread about} (\dieph•misth•\)
diligently by the Jews to excuse their disbelief in the
Messiahship of Jesus.
28:17 {But some doubted} (\hoi de edistasan\). From \dis\ (in
two, divided in mind). Cf. Mt 14:31. The reference is not to
the eleven who were all now convinced after some doubt, but to
the others present. Paul states that over five hundred were
present, most of whom were still alive when he wrote (1Co
15:6). It is natural that some should hesitate to believe so
great a thing at the first appearance of Jesus to them. Their
very doubt makes it easier for us to believe. This was the
mountain where Jesus had promised to meet them. This fact
explains the large number present. Time and place were arranged
beforehand. It was the climax of the various appearances and in
Galilee where were so many believers. They worshipped
(\prosekun•san\) Jesus as the women had done (28:9). He is now
their Risen Lord and Saviour.
28:18 {All authority} (\p•sa exousia\). Jesus came close to them
(\proselth•n\) and made this astounding claim. He spoke as one
already in heaven with a world-wide outlook and with the
resources of heaven at his command. His authority or power in his
earthly life had been great (7:29; 11:27; 21:23f.). Now it is
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