And a great company of the priests— We learn from Ezra 2:36 that 4289 priests returned from the captivity; the number of whom was now probably very much increased. It is certainly wonderful that a great multitude of the priests should embrace the gospel, considering what peculiar resentments they must expect from their unbelieving brethren, and the great losses to which they must be exposed in consequence of being cast out of their office. But the grace of God was sufficient to animate and support them against every objection; and it is very probable, that the miracle of rending the veil of the temple, and the testimony of the guards to the truth of the resurrection, might contribute considerably towards their conversion, in concurrencewiththemiraculousgiftsandpowersoftheapostles;the most convincing proofs of which they saw before their eyes in their own temple.

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