Matthew 27:65

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

Ver. 65. Pilate said unto them] He was willing to please both sides; and therefore condescends both to Joseph of Arimathea for his burial, and to the priests for securing the sepulchre. Κοινοφιλης, erat utpote qui ab omnibus gratiam inire cupiebat; quales quidam per iocum placentas dixit. But if I yet please men, saith Paul, as once I did when I was a Pharisee, "I am no more the servant of Christ," Galatians 1:10. He scorns that such base deceit should be found in his followers,Colossians 2:8. Mordecai will not crouch or curry favour, to die for it. Micaiah will not budge, though sure to kiss the stocks for his stiffness.

Ye have a watch] Appointed for the use and service of the temple, a band of garrison soldiers who had their captain, Acts 4:1, and are here set to watch that true temple, wherein "the Godhead dwelt bodily," i.e. personally.