# did as they had been instructed
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "did what the priests had told them to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
# This report spread widely among the Jews and continues even today
"Many Jews heard this report and continue to tell others about it even today"
# even today
This refers to the time Matthew wrote the book.