Part 6: The Focus on Resurrection (ix) Matthew 27:51-54

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:51-54)

What was the purpose of the saints being raised from the graves? Without wishing to intimate that I really understand this event, could it not at least be recognised that the hope of these saints depended upon the death of the Son of God at Calvary, and that this hope was resurrection? It is interesting that we have here a clear biblical example of resurrection resulting from Christ’s work, but we are merely told that Bible infers the dead ascended to Heaven from Abraham’s Bosom after Jesus’ Resurrection.

Jesus Christ had finished the work by which He could intercede as High Priest for a people who would be resurrected, just as He Himself was going to be resurrected. The rising from the grave of these saints would therefore have been a sign of the magnificent achievement of Calvary, an achievement that will be witnessed in a far greater way when He returns. 

And where were these saints prior to this event? There is no mention of them descending in soul from Heaven, or ascending from Abraham’s Bosom. All we are told about is physical resurrection. They were dead and are now alive. Are we meant to read ‘under the surface’ and suppose that the immortal souls of these saints had re-entered their bodies? 

Taking the text at face value I would assume that the destiny of these saints after their initial death was the place from where they were raised: the grave.