What is meant by “so the last error shall be worse than the first”?
Question:
In Matthew 27:64, what does "so the last error shall be worse than the first" mean?
Answer:
"Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead.' So the last deception will be worse than the first" (Matthew 27:64).
The Jewish leaders knew that Jesus said he would rise from the dead in three days (for example, Matthew 12:39-40). His claim stayed with them. "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again'" (Matthew 27:63). Their fear was the disciples would make the prophecy appear to happen by stealing away Jesus' body. They saw Jesus' claim as a lie and if the body was stolen, they fear this second deception would make matters worse.
