The Resurrection of the Saints at Jesus' Crucifixion
The Gospel of Matthew records a unique event during 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). This passage describes a resurrection of saints that occurred in conjunction with Christ's death and resurrection.
The resurrection of the dead is a foundational doctrine in Christianity, affirmed in both the Old and New Testaments [5]. The New Testament emphasizes Christ's resurrection as a cardinal fact and doctrine, without which Christian faith is considered vain [1, 8]. The apostles frequently preached the resurrection of Jesus [4, 6]. However, the specific event of saints rising at Christ's crucifixion is mentioned only in Matthew's Gospel.
Interpretations of this event vary among Christian traditions. Some scholars view this as a literal, physical resurrection of deceased believers, serving as a foretaste or firstfruits of the general resurrection [10]. Augustine, for instance, connected Christ's resurrection to the resurrection of believers, stating that "where the Head, there also the members" [9]. The general resurrection is understood to be simultaneous for both the just and the unjust, though the qualities of the resurrected body will differ from the earthly body, becoming spiritual and incorruptible [2, 3].
Other interpretations consider the nature and timing of this event. The text states these saints appeared "after his resurrection" [7], suggesting their emergence from the tombs coincided with or followed Christ's own rising. This detail links their resurrection directly to Christ's victory over death. The purpose of their appearance "to many people" in the "holy city" is often understood as a powerful testimony to Christ's resurrection and the new life he brings [7].
The broader theological context of resurrection includes the expectation of the Jews, the denial by the Sadducees, and the apostles' preaching of it as a central truth [5]. While the resurrection of the saints at the crucifixion is a distinct event, it aligns with the biblical teaching that Christ's resurrection is the cause and guarantee of the resurrection of believers [10].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of the dead — Will be simultaneous both of the just and the unjust (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 2:6-16; 2 Thess. 1:6-10). The qualities of the resurrection body will be different from those of the body laid in the grave (1 Cor. 15:53, 54; Phil. 3:21); but its identity will nevertheless be preserved. It will still be the same body (1 Cor. 15:42-44) which rises again. As to the nature of the resurrection body, (1) it will be spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44), i.e., a body adapted to the use of the soul in its glorified state, and to all the conditions of the hea”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 15:42 (Geneva1599) — So also is the resurrection of the dead. The bodie is sowen in corruption, and is raysed in incorruption.”
- Acts “Acts 4:33 (Tyndale) — And with greate power gave the Apostles witnes of the resurreccion of the Lorde Iesu. And greate grace was with them all.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection of Christ, The — Foretold by the prophets -- Ps 16:10; Ac 13:34,35; Isa 26:19. Foretold by Himself -- Mt 20:19; Mr 9:9; 14:28; Joh 2:19-22. Was necessary to The fulfilment of Scripture. -- Lu 24:45,46. Forgiveness of sins. -- 1Co 15:17. Justification. -- Ro 4:25; 8:34. Hope. -- 1Co 15:19. The efficacy of preaching. -- 1Co 15:14. The efficacy of faith. -- 1Co 15:14,17. A proof of his being the Son of God -- Ps 2:7; Ac 13:33; Ro 1:4. Effected by The power of God. -- Ac 2:24; 3:15; Ro 8:11; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12. His own power. -- Joh 2:19; 10:18. The power of”
- Matthew “Matthew 27:53 (BSB) — After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:17: vain--Ye are, by the very fact (supposing the case to be as the skeptics maintained), frustrated of all which "your faith" appropriates: Ye are still under the everlasting condemnation of your sins (even in the disembodied state which is here referred to), from which Christ's resurrection is our justification (Rom 4:25): "saved by his life" (Rom 5:10).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — [DE SYMBOLO AD CATECHUMENOS.] (part 15): is risen, ascended into heaven: where the Head, there also the members. In what way the resurrection of the flesh? Lest any should chance to think it like as Lazarus's resurrection, that thou mayo est know it to be not so, it is added, "Into life everlasting." God regenerate you ! God preserve and keep you! God bring you safe unto Himself, Who is the Life Everlasting. Amen.”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Causality of Christ's Resurrection, Art. 1: Article: Whether Christ's Resurrection is the cause of the resurrection of our bodies? I answer that, As stated in 2 Metaphysics, text 4: "Whatever is first in any order, is the cause of all that come after it." But Christ's Resurrection was the first in the order of our resurrection, as is evident from what was said above (Question [53], Article [3]). Hence Christ's Resurrection must be the cause of ours: and this is what the Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:20,21): "Christ is risen from the dead, t”