soldiers

A frequent word in the Bible for men equipped with weapons some of which are described in 1 Sam. 17:5–7 and Eph. 6:11–17—the latter being a metaphorical use for a Christian's spiritual armour.

Professional soldiers were employed by David (1 Sam. 22:2) and subsequent rulers. In NT times Roman soldiers were a familiar sight throughout the empire. The guard of soldiers offered by Pilate [[➝ Pilate, Pontius]] to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 27:65) were presumably Roman soldiers, but it is unlikely that they would have reported to the chief priests (Matt. 28:11). Indeed the whole account of the guard at the tomb is implausible; if the disciples were unaware of any prediction about Jesus rising on the third day, it is unlikely that the Pharisees knew about it and remembered it.