I think the author doesn’t understand the play of the Roman Soldiers in all of this.
He sees them as just Soldiers like any other Soldiers.
Not so.
A Roman Legion once retreated in battle and I believe they lost their “Standard” (visual representation of the unit, like a flag or guidon).
They were ordered to be “decimated”. They would line up in formation and a count would start from one end. Every tenth man would be killed.
This was at harvest time and Roman Soldiers (at the time) were also farmers. It was critical that the harvest be brought in.
The Roman Soldiers were released to go home and harvest their grain and then come back to face decimation.
Every Roman Soldier in that unit returned for the decimation.
Can you imagine that?
Even if you knew your numbered place in the formation, how could you be sure that a few guys wouldn’t chicken out and ruin the count?
Every Soldier in that unit came back. That is discipline.
And every tenth one was killed.
That is why the body of Christ coming up “ missing” while under Roman guard is such a critical point.
These were well-disciplined Soldiers. These were not Soldiers prone to being bribed or falling asleep.
THAT TOMB WAS GUARDED BY THE BEST DISCIPLINED SOLDIERS IN THE WORLD!
That is essential.
Can you imagine the Roman Soldiers feelings? Shock? Fear? Wonder?
They did their duty, but still, the body was gone.
I think those Soldiers became believers.
I think so too.