expensive tombs would have a stone large enough to keep out grave robbers. This and other verses make clear that a larger stone is in place. Joseph departs, not to be seen again in Matthew's narrative. Davies and Allison note that Matthew frequently treats his minor characters in this manner, giving no unnecessary details. Joseph leaving is in the next verses contrasted with the women who remain and the guards who later arrive. His departure is not mentioned in any of the other gospels, but Matthew adds the story of the guards arriving, so that could explain adding a mention of Joseph leaving. References 27:60 27:60