Matthew 27:52–53

[Jazzy]

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matt 27:51–53)

It’s a story that raises so many questions:

· Who were the ‘many’ holy people? How many? Why not all of them?

· How long had they been dead? Days? Months? Centuries?

· Why is this amazing occurrence not found in any other Gospel, or mentioned anywhere else in the Bible? How come this remarkable story never made it into any of the accounts by historians of the time, such as Josephus, Philo or Tacitus (all of whom kept a keen interest in the goings on in Palestine at that time)?

And why do preachers today never talk about this event, or base any sermons upon it?

 

[Lees]

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matt 27:51–53)

It’s a story that raises so many questions:

· Who were the ‘many’ holy people? How many? Why not all of them?

· How long had they been dead? Days? Months? Centuries?

· Why is this amazing occurrence not found in any other Gospel, or mentioned anywhere else in the Bible? How come this remarkable story never made it into any of the accounts by historians of the time, such as Josephus, Philo or Tacitus (all of whom kept a keen interest in the goings on in Palestine at that time)?

And why do preachers today never talk about this event, or base any sermons upon it?

As the book of (Matthew) has special significance to the Jews, as it presents Jesus Christ as their Messiah, is probably why it is only given in (Matthew).

The ripping of the veil from top to bottom showed God's work in providing access to Him was finished. As Jesus said, "It is finished". (John 19:28-30). It would also mean the end of the Law. This would have a tremendous impact on the Jews, most especially with those priests who ministered in the Temple. How fearful those priests must have been who observed it. It is understandable why so many did become believers later. (Acts 6:7)

As to who and how many of those who were resurrected were, we are not told. But, we know they were believers. Most likely they were believing Jews as they were from that area and visited Jerusalem.

As to why not all of them, the 'all' was not yet in the ground. Those who were resurrected represented the first fruits and not the whole harvest. (Lev. 23:9-11) (1 Cor. 15:23).

As to how long these were dead, we are not told. They most likely were from various generations of believing Jews who could give testimony to the true historical record of the Old Testament. But they could equally be from the time period from Adam to Moses. We just don't know.

As to why it is not recorded in secular history, most likely because it was too miraculous to believe. I doubt any historian would have given any credence to such a report.

I'm sure many preachers and teachers have expounded on this. It depends on who you are listening to. There are many things Christians like to ignore in the Bible.

Lees