The Guarding of the Tomb (Mt. only). The story arose as a reply to Jews who averred that the disciples had removed the body of Jesus, itself a reply to the disciples-' assertion of the empty grave (cf. Matthew 28:11-15). It is a relic of controversy in which each side imputed unworthy motives to the other and stated suggestions as established facts. the day after the preparation (Matthew 6:2) is a curious paraphrase for the Sabbath.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 27:62
Matthew 27:62-66
62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.