Matthew 27:52-53
The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say tombs opened; it highlights that "many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised." This implies these weren't just random people but holy ones, and their rising isn't just about a physical resurrection, but a testament to Christ's power over death itself, demonstrating that the grave's sting has been broken.
As Jesus breathes His last and an earthquake shakes the land, tombs are ripped open, revealing the dead within. These weren't just random people, but "saints," those who had lived faithfully, and their bodies are raised, not to ascend immediately, but to appear later after Jesus' resurrection. This miraculous event serves as a powerful sign, demonstrating Christ's victory over death and foreshadowing the resurrection for all who believe.
A violent earthquake shakes the land, tearing open tombs. This wasn't just a natural disaster; it was a divine signal.
The earthquake that split rocks and opened graves was a powerful, visible sign of God's intervention at Christ's death. It wasn't random; it was a deliberate act demonstrating Christ's authority over even death and the grave.
Bodies of 'saints' are raised. Who were they, and what does their resurrection signify in light of Christ's sacrifice?
The resurrection of these saints wasn't just a miracle; it served as a profound testament to Christ's victory and a preview of His followers' future resurrection.
Understand the original words
koimaō · Greek Verb
A state of death for believers, reflecting the hope of a future, bodily resurrection, much as one awakens from natural sleep.
hagios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those set apart by God for His service and purposes; under the new covenant, this refers to all who are sanctified by faith in Christ.
egersis · Greek Noun
The climactic event of Jesus' life and ministry, demonstrating His victory over death and the inauguration of the new creation.
hagia polis · Greek Noun phrase
The earthly city of Jerusalem, which serves as the site of the temple and the focal point of God's redemptive work in the Old Testament.
The resurrection of saints at Jesus' death, occurring after his own resurrection, powerfully symbolized his victory over death and the promise of future resurrection for all believers, offering comfort and hope amidst suffering.
c. 33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, marking a pivotal moment in Christian theology and history.
c. 33 AD
Earthquake and Temple Veil Torn
A great earthquake occurs at the moment of Jesus' death, splitting rocks and opening tombs near Jerusalem. The veil of the temple is torn in two.
c. 33 AD (after Jesus' resurrection)
Resurrection of Saints
Many bodies of deceased saints, whose tombs were opened by the earthquake, are raised and appear in Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection.
c. 33 AD onwards
Early Christian Persecution
Following Jesus' resurrection and the ascension of believers, the early Christian church faces increasing persecution from Jewish and Roman authorities.
This passage directly prophesies the resurrection of the dead, which many scholars believe Matthew 27:52 is the fulfillment of, showing God's power over death even before Christ's resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:20Paul calls Christ the 'firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.' The resurrection of the saints in Matthew aligns with this imagery, signifying that Christ's resurrection is the start of a greater resurrection to come.
1 Peter 3:18-19This passage speaks of Christ being 'put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,' and that he 'went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits.' The opening of graves and resurrection of saints could be seen as a tangible sign of this spiritual proclamation and victory over death.
John 5:25Jesus states, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.' The raising of these saints can be understood as an immediate demonstration of this divine power over death.
Daniel 12:2This Old Testament prophecy foretells that 'many of those who sleep in the land of the soil shall awake,' giving a prophetic backdrop to the remarkable event described in Matthew.
clarkeMatthew 27:52: "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,"
And the graves were opened - By the earthquake; and many bodies of saints which slept, i.e. were dead, sleep being a common expression for death in the Scriptures.
gillMatthew 27:52: "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,"
And the graves were opened,.... Which were near the city of Jerusalem: this was a proof of Christ's power over death and the grave, by dying; when he through death, destroyed him that had the power of it, and abolished death itself; and became the plague of death and the destruction of the grave, taking into his hands the keys of hell and death: and many bodies of saints which slept, arose: not that th…
The verse doesn't just say tombs opened; it highlights that "many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised." This implies these weren't just random people but holy ones, and their rising isn't just about a physical resurrection, but a testament to Christ's power over death itself, demonstrating that the grave's sting has been broken.
As Jesus breathes His last and an earthquake shakes the land, tombs are ripped open, revealing the dead within. These weren't just random people, but "saints," those who had lived faithfully, and their bodies are raised, not to ascend immediately, but to appear later after Jesus' resurrection. This miraculous event serves as a powerful sign, demonstrating Christ's victory over death and foreshadowing the resurrection for all who believe.
As Jesus breathes His last and an earthquake shakes the land, tombs are ripped open, revealing the dead within. These weren't just random people, but "saints," those who had lived faithfully, and their bodies are raised, not to ascend immediately, but to appear later after Jesus' resurrection. This miraculous event serves as a powerful sign, demonstrating Christ's victory over death and foreshadowing the resurrection for all who believe.
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c. 62 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
While not directly related to this verse, the eventual destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD would have profoundly impacted any eyewitnesses or descendants of those who saw these events.
"The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many." — The verse doesn't just say tombs opened; it highlights that "many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised." This implies these weren't just random people but holy ones, and their risin…
