14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
The governor's ears - To Pilate. If it is reported to him that Jesus was stolen while you slept.
We will persuade him - We will convince or satisfy him, so that he shall not punish you. This they might promise with safety; for,
1. They knew from the character of Pilate that he could be easily bribed.
2. Pilate, after the feast of the Passover, was accustomed to return to Caesarea.
3. He had not been inclined at all to interfere in anything concerning the Saviour until it was urged upon him by the Jews.
He would not be disposed, "of himself," to take any further trouble about the matter. He would feel that all that could be demanded of him had been done, and would not be disposed further to interfere, unless the Sanhedrin should demand it. This, of course, they would not do.
If this came to the governor's ears - Pilate - we will persuade him that it is for his own interest and honor to join in the deception; and we will render you secure - we will take care that you shalt not suffer that punishment for this pretended breach of duty which otherwise you might expect.
And if this (e) come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
(e) For it was to be feared that it would be brought to the governor's ears.
And if this come to the governor's ears,.... Not the governor of the watch, but Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea: if this should be told him, and should be heard by him; or this matter should come before him, and be under his examination, and there should be any danger of punishment; for to sleep on the watch was severely punished by the Romans:
we will, persuade him; that this is the true state of the case, and intercede with him, and make use of all our interest, not to punish for it: or will persuade him, that though this is a false account, yet it will be much better that it should go in this way, for his own peace, and the peace of the nation, and the security of the Roman government; since, should it spread among the people, that this person was really raised from the dead, they would, one and all, believe he was the true Messiah, and would set him up as a king, and seize upon the government in favour of him:
and will secure you; indemnify you, bear you harmless, keep you from punishment; so that you need not be under any care, or concern on this account.
And if this come to the governor's ears--rather, "If this come before the governor"; that is, not in the way of mere report, but for judicial investigation.
we will persuade him, and secure you--The "we" and the "you" are emphatic here--"we shall [take care to] persuade him and keep you from trouble," or "save you harmless." The grammatical form of this clause implies that the thing supposed was expected to happen. The meaning then is, "If this come before the governor--as it likely will--we shall see to it that," &c. The "persuasion" of Pilate meant, doubtless, quieting him by a bribe, which we know otherwise he was by no means above taking (like Felix afterwards, Acts 24:26).
If this come to the governor's ears, etc. As he had taken so little interest in the matter as to leave the watch to them it was not likely it would come to his ears at all, as we know that he was wont to spend only a few days at Jerusalem and then return to CÃ&brvbr;sarea.
*More commentary available at chapter level.