Matthew 28:12

And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

And when they were assembled with the elders. But Joseph at least was absent; Gamaliel probably also; and perhaps others.

And had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers. It would need a good deal; but the whole ease of the Jewish authorities was now at stake. With what contempt must these soldiers have regarded the Jewish ecclesiastics!