In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that after Jesus' crucifixion, "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" (Matthew 27:52-53, ESV). From a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, the timing of the saints' appearance is significant. They waited until after Jesus' resurrection to manifest because Jesus is "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV), signifying His preeminence in resurrection.
This delay underscores Christ’s role as the pioneer of resurrection, fulfilling the prophecy and establishing His victory over death before others could follow. The resurrection of the saints serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' triumph, illustrating the hope and promise of resurrection for all believers. Their appearance after Jesus also serves as a witness to the reality of the resurrection, reinforcing the transformative power of Jesus’ victory over death and offering a foretaste of the ultimate resurrection believers anticipate at Christ’s second coming. Thus, their delayed appearance aligns with theological themes of Jesus' primacy and the inaugurated eschatology central to Christian doctrine.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pivotal event in Christian theology, signifying victory over sin and death. Among the fascinating details surrounding this event is the account of the resurrected saints who appeared in Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection. This event, recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew, raises intriguing questions about its timing and significance. Why did these saints wait to appear until after Jesus' resurrection? This article explores this question, drawing upon biblical narratives and theological insights to provide a deeper understanding of this extraordinary event.
The account of the resurrected saints is found in Matthew 27:51-53. This passage describes the events immediately following Jesus' death on the cross:
"And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many." (Matthew 27:51-53, NASB)
This passage presents a remarkable scene: the opening of tombs and the resurrection of many saints who had died. Yet, it specifies that these saints did not appear to the people until after Jesus' resurrection. This detail invites reflection on its theological implications.
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. As Paul writes, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14, NIV). The timing of the saints' appearance underscores the primacy of Christ's resurrection. It is fitting that Jesus, the "firstborn among the dead" (Revelation 1:5, ESV), should rise first, establishing His preeminence in all things, including the resurrection of the dead.
The resurrection of the saints serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' victory over death. Their appearance after His resurrection illustrates the transformative power unleashed by Jesus' triumph. By waiting until after Jesus rose, these resurrected saints validated the significance of His victory, demonstrating that death itself had been conquered.
The resurrection of these saints can be seen as a foretaste of the general resurrection that Christians anticipate. Paul speaks of Christ as "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20, NKJV). The firstfruits were a portion of the harvest offered to God, symbolizing the full harvest to come. Similarly, the resurrection of these saints foreshadows the future resurrection of all believers, when Christ will return and the dead in Christ will rise.
The appearance of the resurrected saints after Jesus' resurrection served as a witness to the people of Jerusalem. Their presence provided tangible evidence of God's power and the truth of Jesus' resurrection. Just as Jesus' resurrection was accompanied by signs and wonders, so too was the resurrection of the saints a miraculous event that testified to God's intervention in human history.
Understanding the timing of the resurrected saints' appearance offers assurance to believers. It reminds us that our hope is secure in Christ, who has conquered death. As we face life's challenges, we can find comfort in the promise of our future resurrection and the eternal life secured by Jesus.
The resurrected saints serve as a reminder of our calling to bear witness to the power of God in our own lives. Just as they appeared to many in Jerusalem, we are called to share the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection with those around us. Our lives, transformed by His grace, can be a testament to His victory over sin and death.
The account of the resurrected saints appearing after Jesus' resurrection is a profound testimony to the power and significance of His victory over death. By waiting until after Jesus rose, these saints affirmed His preeminence and provided a foretaste of the resurrection to come. For believers today, this event offers assurance and encouragement, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ and our calling to share this hope with others. As we reflect on this remarkable event, may we be inspired to live as witnesses to the resurrection, grounded in the assurance of our future glory with Christ.