Request of Pilate for Guards

Now the next day—the day following the day of the preparation—the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was yet alive. He said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’

“Therefore, command that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come at night, and steal him away. Then they would claim that he had risen from the dead and the result be worse than before.”

Pilate said to them, “You have guards; go take care of it. Make it as secure as you can.” So, they left and secured the sepulcher. They sealed the stone and posted guards.